Prevalence, Patterns, and Associated Factors for Musculoskeletal Disorders Among the Healthcare Workers of Northern Saudi Arabia: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have emerged as a pressing concern among healthcare workers (HCWs), gaining significant attention, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study evaluated the prevalence, pattern, and associated factors for MSDs among HCWs in northern Saudi Arabia. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Employing a cross-sectional study design, the standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to collect data from participants. Systematic sampling method was employed to select 384 HCWs from diverse healthcare settings. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with MSDs. RESULTS: Among the participants, 72.4% reported one or more NMQ-listed MSDs. The most commonly affected body regions were the neck, shoulder, and lower back. MSDs showed significant associations with physical activity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]= 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.53–0.93, p = 0.024), obesity status (AOR = 3.08, 95% CI = 1.56–4.71, p = 0.003), and ergonomic training (AOR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.23–0.55, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Implementing preplacement and periodic ergonomic training for HCWs is recommended. This proactive measure holds the potential to alleviate MSD-related discomfort, reduce sickness absenteeism, and enhance overall productivity. Future longitudinal studies across different regions of Saudi Arabia are essential to establish causal links between risk factors and MSDs.