MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS IN MIDWIVES IN HOSPITALS

The work of the midwives is highly demanding and responsible, as well as associated with significant load on the musculoskeletal system. The aim of the study was to follow the frequency and localization of musculoskeletal disorders and diagnosed diseases of the musculoskeletal system among midwives working in hospitals. Methods The study included 176 midwives with an average age of 48.9 ± 13.1 years working in hospitals in the city of Sofia. An adapted questionnaire was applied to collect information for musculoskeletal symptoms and physician-diagnosed diseases. Data were processed with the statistical package SPSS 20.0.Results and Discussion The incidence of musculoskeletal complaints was high. The most common complaints were in the lower back (67.7%), followed by the back (61.1%), neck (56.3%) and shoulders (50.3%). Diagnosed diseases of the musculoskeletal system were consistent with the complaints. The analysis of the data showed that poor working conditions, frequent work in uncomfortable working postures with bending, twisting and stretching increased the frequency of musculoskeletal complaints.Conclusion The results point to further study of the ergonomic characteristics of workplaces and work movements and the organization of the work process in order to improve working conditions and protect the health of midwives working in hospitals.

IMPACT OF NIGHT SHIFT WORK AND LONG WORKING HOURS ON HEALTH OF BULGARIAN PHYSICIANS

Night shift work and long working hours are associated with an increased risk of some chronic diseases like cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive diseases and others. The aim of the study was to follow the impact of night shift work and long working hours on health of Bulgarian physicians. A cross-sectional anonymous survey, comprising 761 physicians of age 44.3±14.1 years, and including information on work place variables, working hours and shift system was carried. The health status questionnaire included a list of 13 groups of diseases diagnosed by a physician. Statistical analyses were carried out with SPSS. 63.7% of the physicians worked rotating shifts, mainly 12- hour shifts (49.7%) and 67.5% had a history of night work. Overtime and multiple work places were common, contributing to long working hours/week with 38.5% working 41–50 hours/week, 27.8% - 51–60 hours/week and 13.7% - >61 hours/week. Results showed that the highest rate of cardiovascular diseases was in ex night shift workers both for males (F=18.728, p61 hours/week, except for the rate of cardiovascular diseases in female physicians, the highest in those working 20-40 hours/week. Work schedule was a predictor of cardiovascular diseases and mental disorders; history of night work was a predictor of digestive diseases. Our data contribute to the evidence that night shift work and long working hours increase health risk