Abstract

Purpose. Physical therapists (PTs) have direct patient contact, they susceptible to Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs), its prevalence among PTs in Jordan has not been reported yet. The significance of this study relies on providing descriptive data about the PTs musculoskeletal disorders in Jordan. Method. A web-based online survey (Google Forms) was used to create the survey; it contained a cover letter, a consent form and a hyperlink that directed the participants to the survey. The questionnaire was based on the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire with some modifications. It was administered to 50 PTs through e-mail messages, 46 PTs returned completed surveys (92% response). The data were analyzed using SPPS version 20 at alpha level of 0.05. Results. Reported 12-month prevalence of WRMDs among Jordanian PTs was 71.7%. WRMDs was significantly higher in female PTs (p = 0.038). The low back 6o.6% was significantly the most commonly affected body part (p > 0.001), followed by the neck 48.5% with (p = 0.002).. More than fifty percent of the PTs with WRMDs were found to be younger than 34 years 51.1%. Treating large number of patients “more than ten” in a day was reported by most 42.4% of the respondents. PTs who had worked at general hospital had high WRMDs prevalence 66.6%. Conclusions. The prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and other WRMDs among PTs in Jordan is relatively high. It affected their performance of daily activities at home and away from home, it is also contributed sometimes to their sick leaves.

Key words:

physical therapist, low back pain, prevalence, risk factor, Jordan