The Effects of a Participatory Ergonomics Program on Musculoskeletal Disorders and General Health of Surgical Technologists: A Randomized Controlled Trial; [تأثیر برنامه مبتنی بر ارگونومی مشارکتی بر اختلالات اسکلتی - عضلانی و سلامت عمومی تکنولوژیست های اتاق عمل: یک مداخله کارآزمایی بالینی]



Ahmadi M ; Sohrabi MS ; Tarrahi MJ ; Bakhtiari S
Source: Journal of Health and Safety at Work Published:2025

Abstract

Introduction: Surgical technologists encounter a challenging work environment, and therefore, they require well-organized workplaces and appropriate health-related training. This study aimed to determine the effect of a participatory ergonomics program on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and general health among surgical technologists Material and Methods: This single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2023-2024 in operating rooms of teaching hospitals in Isfahan, Iran. The study population comprised 88 surgical technologists meeting the inclusion criteria. One hospital was randomly selected as the intervention site, while the remaining hospitals served as the control group. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), and the 28-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Initially, all participants in both groups completed baseline assessments. The intervention group received a participatory ergonomics program. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 3 and 6 months post-intervention in both groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 employing both descriptive and inferential statistical methods, with a significance level set at 0.05. Results: Before the intervention, no significant differences were observed between the intervention and control groups in terms of mean scores for general health and MSDs (p=0.55). Three months post-intervention, a significant difference was found in the mean score of lower extremity MSDs between the groups (p=0.033). Six months post-intervention, a significant difference was observed in the mean score of Trunk region MSDs between the groups (p=0.038). Significant differences in mean general health scores were observed between the groups at 3 months (p=0.001) and 6 months (p=0.001) post-intervention, with the intervention group reporting better general health compared to the control group. Conclusion: The implementation of a participatory ergonomics program can improve general health and reduce MSDs among surgical technologists. Copyright © 2025 The Authors.