Musculoskeletal symptoms and factors associated among health activity assistants at operating theatres of teaching hospitals in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms (MSSs) among health-activity-assistants (HAAs) in operating theatres of teaching hospitals (OT-TH) in Colombo. Prevalence of MSSs for the preceding three months was calculated in a random sample of 378 HAAs using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Associations were analysed using multiple logistic regression at 5% significance level. Prevalence of MSSs at least in one anatomical region was 59.7% (95%CI=54.77-64.63). Lower back (n=123,32.5%) and foot (n=108,28.6%) were the most affected body regions. Five-year-or-more service at current operating theatre (p=0.049); intensive engagement in pushing/pulling trollies with patients (p=0.012); perceived fast-pace of work (p=0.037); perceived too many different tasks (p=0.003); intensive engagement in segregating contaminated instruments, clothing (p=0.017) and overweight/obesity (p=0.020) were significantly associated with MSSs. Prevalence of MSSs among HAAs attached to OT-TH in Colombo is high. Intensity, type and duration of work are associated with the MSSs.