Prevalence and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorder among central sterile supply technicians in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand

Background: Central sterile supply technicians (CSSTs) have a high risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), notably affecting the back. Objective: This study aimed to examine the prevalence and factors associated with WMSDs among CSSTs in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional study assessed WMSDs among CSSTs in Nakhon Si Thammarat using self-administered questionnaires on demographics and symptoms. Out of 188 distributed questionnaires, 179 were completed, which evaluated the presence and severity of the disorders during sterilization in 33 hospitals. Results: The prevalence of WMSDs in various body regions, particularly the upper back, at the time of questioning, during the past week, and over the past year was 88.2%, 79.3%, and 77.7%, respectively. Technicians with >30 years of experience showed a significantly higher risk of WMSDs (odds ratio [OR] 8.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4–6.3). CSSTs with >10 years of employment showed significant associations with WMSDs (OR 7.9, 95% CI 1.3–5.0). Other factors included working day shifts (OR 19.2, 95% CI 10.2– 120.5), heavy load handling (OR 20.0, 95% CI 10.8–153.6), lifting of instruments (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.4–5.5), transporting equipment or carts (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.9–7.3), pushing equipment or carts (OR 9.2, 95% CI 1.4–5.5), carrying instruments (OR 5.6, 95% CI 1.1–4.3), and uncomfortable postures (OR 7.7, 95% CI 1.4–7.6). Conclusion: These findings highlight the high prevalence of WMSDs among CSSTs, particularly affecting the upper back. Factors such as prolonged employment and physically demanding tasks significantly contribute to these disorders.