Musculoskeletal disorders among sonographers in secondary care hospitals in the city of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among sonographers have raised significant concerns in recent years. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of WMSDs and identify risk factors for WMSDs among sonographers. To date, there is little research on WMSDs among sonographers in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aimed to contribute to the Saudi literature by filling this gap. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among sonographers (n = 98) working in four major governmental hospitals in the city of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The participants completed a validated, self-administered questionnaire that focused on the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms among sonographers. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 35.5±9 years. The majority of the participants were female (71.4%), non-Saudi (51%), and working as technicians (49%). The prevalence rates of shoulder and neck disorders among the participants were 65.3% and 57.1%, respectively. Gender (female), job title (sonography technicians), and years of experience (seasoned sonographers) were identified as risk factors for WMSDs. CONCLUSIONS: Among the studied sonographers, WMSDs were a significant, common problem. Being female, being a sonography technician, and being a seasoned sonographer were identified as risk factors for these disorders. Preventive measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of WMSDs in this occupational setting.