Prevalence and associated risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among undergraduate radiography students during work integrated learning at the university of technology, in Kwazulu-Natal
Authors:   , Siphesihle Masondo Siyanda 
Published: August 2023

Background The term musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) refer to injuries or disorders of the nerves, ligaments, muscles, joints, tendons and supporting structures of the upper and lower limbs, neck and spine which are caused by sudden or accumulative exposures to physical exertion. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common among healthcare students including radiography students. Undergraduate radiography students during their study program are being placed in different hospitals for Work-integrated learning (WIL). During this period, they are prone to several risk factors that can trigger the occurrence of MSDs. There is a scarcity in the literature on the prevalence of MSDs in undergraduate radiography students attending WIL in the public and private sectors of South Africa. To date, no study has been performed which determines the risk factors for developing MSDs among Undergraduate radiography students within the eThekwini Municipality. Aim The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of MSDs and to identify the risk factors associated with MSDs among undergraduate radiography students attending WIL within hospitals in the eThekwini Municipality. Research Methodology The research conducted was a quantitative study with a descriptive design that targeted undergraduate radiography students attending WIL within the hospital of the eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu Natal. The research questionnaires were administered to undergraduate radiography students at the Durban University of Technology in order to determine the prevalence of MSDs and its associated risk factors. The questionnaire included demographic information, work routine during WIL, symptoms and impacts of MSDs on participants. Data was captured by the researcher and sent to a statistician for statistical analysis. Results In total, 144 questionnaires were utilised for statistical analysis, giving a response rate of 84.2%. The results showed a significantly high prevalence of the musculoskeletal disorder among the students (92.4%). The most common areas of pain reported by the participants were the lower back (79.7%), neck (72.2%) and upper back (54.1%). The statistically significant risk factors for musculoskeletal disorder among radiography students were bending, stress and depression. The Chi-square test showed that participants who are more often involved in bending experience significantly higher lower back pain. Multiple regression analysis shown found depression and stress during work-integrated learning (WIL) as independent risks factor for musculoskeletal disorders among radiography students Conclusion and Recommendations The study showed that the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder is high (92.4%) among undergraduate radiography students during WIL. Further research is needed in this population and South Africa in order to address the high incidence of MSDs and their impacts on healthcare students. In addition, to prevent the recurrence of MSDs among students, it is recommended that the faculty of health sciences and the radiography department design and implement suitable interventions, such as an education program/training on ergonomics practice. Also, it would be beneficial for the students to become more aware of MSDs and take corrective measures to better equip themselves to mitigate MSDs and seek treatment when necessary.