Musculoskeletal symptoms and factors associated among health activity assistants at operating theatres of teaching hospitals in Colombo, Sri Lanka
本研究调查了斯里兰卡科伦坡教学医院手术室健康活动助理的肌肉骨骼症状患病率，发现近六成受访者在过去三个月内至少有一个部位出现症状，腰背和脚部最常受影响，且与工作强度、类型和时长显著相关。
This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms (MSSs) among health-activity-assistants (HAAs) in operating theatres of teaching hospitals (OT-TH) in Colombo. Prevalence of MSSs for the preceding three months was calculated in a random sample of 378 HAAs using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Associations were analysed using multiple logistic regression at 5% significance level. Prevalence of MSSs at least in one anatomical region was 59.7% (95%CI=54.77-64.63). Lower back (n=123,32.5%) and foot (n=108,28.6%) were the most affected body regions. Five-year-or-more service at current operating theatre (p=0.049); intensive engagement in pushing/pulling trollies with patients (p=0.012); perceived fast-pace of work (p=0.037); perceived too many different tasks (p=0.003); intensive engagement in segregating contaminated instruments, clothing (p=0.017) and overweight/obesity (p=0.020) were significantly associated with MSSs. Prevalence of MSSs among HAAs attached to OT-TH in Colombo is high. Intensity, type and duration of work are associated with the MSSs.