The Relationship Between Absenteeism, Musculoskeletal Disorders, and Noise Annoyance Among Hospital Employees

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran

2 Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Social Determinants of Health Research Centre, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran

3 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Social Determinants of Health Research Centre, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran

10.34172/jhad.1176

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among working populations and constitute one of the leading causes of occupational absenteeism, resulting in substantial economic burdens worldwide. Moreover, noise annoyance caused by exposure to various persistent noise sources in healthcare environments represents a significant occupational factor contributing to employee absenteeism. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between absenteeism, musculoskeletal disorders, and noise annoyance among hospital staff.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 260 hospital employees with at least one year of work experience. Data collection instruments were the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, which comprises both general and specific sections on MSDs, the Absenteeism Questionnaire, and the 10-point ISO 15666 Noise Annoyance Scale.
Results: The mean number of sick leave days was 12.03 ± 9.52, entitlement leave days 29.7 ± 9.5, and unpaid leave days 0.69 ± 0.05. Mild pain was reported in the neck (52%), shoulders (39%), wrists (37%), and lower back (39%). Severe and very severe lower back pain was reported by 22% and 12% of the participants, respectively. Moreover, a statistically significant association was observed between absenteeism and job type (P = 0.011), noise annoyance (P = 0.044), and musculoskeletal disorders among physicians and technicians (P < 0.001), as well as among nurses (P = 0.009).
Conclusion: Considering the influence of musculoskeletal disorders and noise annoyance on occupational absenteeism, implementing targeted educational programs, making ergonomic improvements at workstations, optimizing physical activity, and redesigning equipment can effectively reduce the incidence of these disorders and thereby minimize absenteeism in healthcare settings.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Health and Development Journal
Volume 13, Issue 4
December 2024
Pages 164-170

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History

  • Receive Date: 27 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 25 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 26 May 2025

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