STATUS OF WORK RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (WRMDS) IN PALESTINIAN PRACTICING PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

Background: Physiotherapists are exposed to many risk factors and occupational injuries in their work environment. The practice of physiotherapy requires the performance of many intensive tasks related to patient care. Such activities include lifting, bending, twisting, performing manual therapy, and maintaining awkward positions for a prolonged period of time. Therefore, physiotherapists are susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders. Purpose: the objectives of this study are: (1) determining the presence of possible effects on Palestinian practitioner’s health, who are working in the physiotherapy profession. (2) Estimating the severity of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) among physiotherapists. Methods: A quantitative –non-experimental survey design was utilized. Based on a literature review and pilot study, five pages self-administered questionnaire was constructed and distributed to 60 physiotherapists with job experience more than 4 years. The questionnaire consists of three parts: demographic data part, and musculoskeletal part. The data which obtained was analyzed using statistical SPSS last version. Participants:The questionnaire was returned by 60 physiotherapists who were selected using a convenience sample from different clinics and hospitals in East Jerusalem and West Bank, giving a response rate of 66.6 %. Results: The prevalence of WRMDs was high among Palestinian physiotherapists by (70%); female physiotherapists reported a higher prevalence of WRMDs than male. The neck was the most affected body part by (51.7%). Respondents reported that their most WRMDs occurred whilst working in rehabilitation field (78.6%). Conclusion: WRMDs, were common and prevalent among Palestinian physiotherapists, so different kind of health strategies should be used to tackle and reduce the prevalence of WRMDs