title: Work-related upper quadrant musculoskeletal disorders in midwives, nurses and physicians: A systematic review of risk factors and functional consequences.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Given a worldwide shortage of primary health care workers predicted to worsen, it is vital to address sources of attrition among these professionals. One such source may be work-related musculoskeletal disorders. We aimed to identify risk factors for and functional consequences of work-related upper quadrant musculoskeletal disorders in midwives, nurses and physicians.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighteen of 87 studies identified from an electronic database search met the inclusion and quality criteria.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Job demands, demanding work schedules and physical exposures have the strongest associations with work-related upper quadrant musculoskeletal disorders. Functional consequences included widespread use of prescription and over-the-counter medications and major negative impact on activities of daily living. No studies of midwives were located.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  High-quality studies of midwives as well as better-designed prospective studies of nurses and physicians are needed. Results of such studies could inform preventive strategies and reduce the contribution of work-related musculoskeletal disorders to attrition.
authors.affiliation: The University of Queensland, School of Nursing and Midwifery, 125A Russell Tce, Indooroopilly, QLD 4068, Australia. maryann.long@gmail.com
authors.forename: Maryann H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Long
authors.forename: Venerina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bogossian
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D006801:Humans; D008880:Midwifery; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009726:Nurses; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010820:Physicians; D012307:Risk Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology; D016526:Workload