OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate work-related musculoskeletal symptoms, and personal and professional activities of ultrasonographist physicians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one physicians answered a questionnaire and were interviewed regarding personal and professional activities and the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms. Data were analyzed using variation coefficient, Spearman R and Student t tests. A nonlinear logistic regression equation based on the probability of discomfort was applied to evaluate the interaction among significant variables. RESULTS: The results indicated a high prevalence rate (85%) of symptoms among physicians. Pain on the upper limbs and back pain were observed in 50% and 39% of the cases, respectively. Several risks were identified such as high daily working load influencing the presence of pain, high cognitive demand, and frequent stress in the routine activity of ultrasonographist physicians. The regression analysis showed high probability of occurrence of injuries when all variables occurred together (r = 0,97). CONCLUSION: Overall, the results suggest that ultrasonography working activity is a risk to the musculoskeletal system.
Ultrasonographer; Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms; Work-related musculoskeletal disorders
