PREVALENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG THE CARE GIVERS OF PHYSICALLY DISABLED CHILDREN

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS
It has been estimated that 14-17% of the cases referred to primary care consultations are related to musculoskeletal disorders. The
study was aimed to determine prevalence of Work Related Musculoskeletal disorder among care givers of physically handicapped children.
METHOD
The study includes a sample size of 187 caregivers of physically handicapped children. Two differently self-designed questionnaires
were used to gather information from the clinician and the parents separately. The data was collected only once from the participants.
It was assured that the data would be used only for research purpose, prior consent was taken before administering the questionnaire.
RESULTS
The result showed that n=187 participants that were involved in the process of care giving to the physically handicapped children.
Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder was found equally high among clinicians and parents. However, no association p>0.05 between the age and the type of WMSDs was observed.
CONCLUSIONS
The study concluded that Work Related Musculoskeletal disorders were prevalent among the care givers of physical handicapped
children and was found to be equally affecting the parents and the clinicians.

KEYWORDS
Musculoskeletal Disease, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Low back pain, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.