A Cross-sectional study investigating the prevalence of repetitive strain injury symptoms in clinical laboratoty personel of FEU-NRMF Medical Center using the RSI quickscan intervention programme questionnaire / Paulo Delfin P. Escaño and Rogelda G. Bongat.

Includes appendices and bibliographical references.

Abstract: Repetitive Strain Injury also known as overuse syndrome is caused by repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, vibrations, mechanical compression or sustained or awkward positions. Laboratory personnel, like other workers are also exposed to these risk factors for developing musculoskeletal injuries. With this in mind the objectives of this study was to determine the prevalence of repetitive strain injury among the laboratory personnel of FEU-NRMF Medical center. Specifically to determine the demographic characteristics of laboratory personnel based on age, gender, weight (pounds) and duration of employment. Also, if the personnel is already experiencing any pain, it will be graded using the face rating pain scale/visual analogue scale. A total of 53 laboratory personnel, (40 females and 13 males) and are composed of 8 pathologist, 28 medical technologist, 12 clerk and 5 helpers were ask to answer and submit the questionnaire for evaluation. This was originally formulated for computer use; it was then modified to assess laboratory work instead. The questionnaire will be able categorized the laboratory personnel to their risk assessment interpretation (low, moderate and high). Majority of the laboratory personnel have a moderated risk assessment interpretation. The study also shows that there is significant difference for developing RSI based on age, weight, hours of laboratory equipment use and the total break time per day across the different job categories. Also among the different job categories it showed that the medical technologist and clerks are more at risk for developing RSI compared to the pathologist and helpers. As for the gender, the females are more prone for developing RSI as compared to males. Finally, only the clerks showed significant differences for symptoms noted among the different job category, with the hand as the primary body part exhibiting pan. There are multiple factors involved for developing repetitive strain injury among laboratory personnel. Awareness and proper information would help the laboratory personnel to minimize if not prevent them for developing repetitive strain injury.

Research - Department of Pathology & Laboratory Diagnosis