Ergonomic injuries in endoscopic doctors, nurses and technicians.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of ergonomic injuries in endoscopic and non-endoscopic healthcare professionals and clinical staff. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Gastroenterology, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Period: October 2024 to March 2025. Methods: Enrolling 120 healthcare professionals (60 endoscopic, 60 non-endoscopic). Inclusion criteria were age 25–60 years, ≥6 months of clinical service, and ≥20 work hours/week. Data on demographics, comorbidities, ergonomic injury, and work patterns were collected via structured questionnaires. Endoscopy-related variables were assessed in the endoscopic group. Chi-square test, t-test, and logistic regression were applied using IBM-SPSS, v26. Results: Among 120 participants, 63 (52.5%) were male. Male representation was significantly higher in endoscopic doctors (56.7%) and staff (81.3%) compared to non-endoscopic groups (p<0.001). Musculoskeletal injuries were more frequent in endoscopic doctors (70.0%) and staff (56.3%) than non-endoscopic counterparts (p=0.012), with thumb pain notably higher in endoscopic doctors (26.7% vs 10.0%, p=0.016). Endoscopic staff had longer procedural experience (50.0% with 6–10 years; p=0.006) and were more often unit-based (75.0%, p<0.001). Endoscopic work increased injury risk (OR 3.1 doctors, 5.6 staff), while formal training was protective (OR 0.3 doctors, 0.1 staff). Conclusion: The incidence of ergonomic injuries is much higher among endoscopic physicians and clinical personnel in comparison to individuals who do perform endoscopic procedures. There is a higher probability of endoscopy-related injuries occurring when the frequency of procedures is increased and the duration of procedures is prolonged.