Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Factors Among Sonography Service Providers Working at Health Facilities of Gamo and Wolaita Zones, Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the major public health problems globally. Despite the vital role sonography service providers play in diagnostic healthcare delivery, there is a paucity of studies addressing the magnitude and determinants of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among Sonography service providers in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders among sonography service providers in Gamo and Wolaita Zones, Southern Ethiopia. An institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted using a simple random sampling technique in public and private hospitals in Gamo and Wolaita Zones, southern Ethiopia, from September to November 2024. A total of 317 participants working at public and private health facilities in the study were included. Data were collected using a pretested, structured self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 27. Bivariate and Multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to determine the association. A P value of < 0.05 with its corresponding 95 percent confidence interval was used to compute the strength of association. Three hundred thirteen sonography service providers participated in this study, giving a response rate of 98.74%. The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among sonography service providers was 79.6% (95% CI [74.48%-83.99%]). Regarding the parts of the body involved, the Shoulder (38.98%), Neck (28.56%), Wrists/hands (28.66%), and lower back (7.00%) were the common parts. Absence of height adjustable ultrasound screen (AOR = 2.945, 95%CI [1.33–6.53]), not maintaining the same posture for extended period without taking breaks (AOR = 0.22, 95%CI [.093-0.55]), having no work fatigue (AOR = 0 .088 95%CI [0.022–0.35]) and having no break times during the work day (AOR = 4.06, 95%CI [1.27–12.90]) were significantly associated with work related-musculoskeletal disorders. This study found a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the study area. Workplace ergonomics and work practices, such as the absence of work fatigue, maintaining the same posture for extended periods, the absence of height-adjustable ultrasound machine screens, and insufficient work breaks, were significant factors. Our findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions, including workplace safety training and the provision of appropriate training and equipment for practitioners.