Musculoskeletal complaints among Italian X-ray technologists.
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among X-ray technologists and to examine their relationship with physical and psychosocial factors. A cross-sectional study was performed in 2006 among 203 X-ray technologists working in 13 hospitals in the Apulia region of southern Italy. A questionnaire was used to collect data on personal characteristics, physical workload, psychosocial aspects, and the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck, shoulders, low back, hand/wrist and legs. Univariate analyses and multiple logistic regression analyses were then performed. The prevalence of complaints at any body site in the previous 12 months was 67%. Low back pain was the most commonly reported symptom (59.6%), followed by shoulder (21.2%), neck (19.7%), leg (13.8%) and hand/wrist pain (12.3%). Age was associated with low back pain, while high physical workload was associated with symptoms in the neck, low back and hand/wrist. High job demands were associated with neck and shoulder pain. Overall, our study suggests high prevalence rates of musculoskeletal complaints may exist among Italian X-ray technologists. Physical workload, psychosocial and individual factors appear to be important risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders within this occupational group.
Lorusso
Antonio
A
Department of Internal Medicine and Public Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
Bruno
Stefano
S
L'Abbate
Nicola
N
D000328:Adult; D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016272:Occupational Health; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014965:X-Rays