The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services (한국응급구조학회지)

The Korea Society of Emergency Medical Services (한국응급구조학회)
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A study on subjective health condition by musculoskeletal symptoms among emergency medical technicians

응급구조사의 근골격계 증상에 따른 주관적 건강상태

  • Lee, Jong-Ryol (Department of Health Administration, Baekseok Culture University) ;
  • Lee, Sang-Hee (Department of Emergency Medical Technology, Gyeongbuk Provincial College)
  • 이종렬 (백석문화대학교 보건행정과) ;
  • 이상희 (경북도립대학교 응급구조과)
  • Received : 2015.10.19
  • Accepted : 2015.12.21
  • Published : 2015.12.31
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Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSSs) and their correlation with subjective health condition (SHC) among emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was disseminated to EMTs (N=257) at emergency medical institutions and fire stations. Results: The prevalence of MSSs was very high in the studied EMTs: 88.3% reported having MSSs. The most commonly affected site was the lower back (73.9%) followed by the neck (56.8%) and the shoulder (55.6%). MSSs were more common in women than in men, and its frequency increased with age. MSSs in the neck and shoulder were more increased in EMTs with < 1 year of service. MSSs in the hand / wrist / finger or leg / foot were significantly increased in EMTs of emergency medical institutions than those of fire stations. Job satisfaction was significantly lower in those with MSSs of the lower back. The subjective heath condition was decreased with age, marriage, or smoking. There was significant corelation between MSSs and SHC. Conclusion: This study suggests that MSSs are a reasonably common problem for EMTs, and that solutions need to be imposed such as some actual tasks or items related to work postures, work control, and work organization.

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References

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