Title: The multifactorial causes of caregiver work-related disabilities: a systematic literature review

Authors: Abdulelah M. Ali; Mohd Mukhtar Alam

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, Jazan University, Jazan-45142, Saudi Arabia ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 303012, India

Abstract: The purpose of this review is to discuss multifactorial causes of caregiver work-related disability. A systematised literature search was accomplished from numerous sources viz., PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE to identify relevant studies published from 2002 to 2020. The studies were included based on a relevance and bibliographic search rating. In this review: 1) caregiver was involved in physically demanding work leading to MSD (comprising specific and non-specific musculoskeletal pain and discomfort); 2) intervention was commenced and/or performed at workstations; 3) comparison groups were included; 4) MSD measurements were reported (musculoskeletal discomfort, symptoms, prevalence or pain). This review confirmed that caregivers were susceptible to WMSD, especially back pain and injuries. Risk factors predisposing to low back pain and injury are inadequate patient transfer skills, high physical demands, inadequate conditioning of caregivers, and obesity. Therefore, essential training in work-related accident, prevention policies and ergonomics will assist caregivers.

Keywords: musculoskeletal disorders; MSDs; risk factors; patient handling; safety handling program; ergonomics and human factors.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2022.126122

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics, 2022 Vol.9 No.3, pp.215 - 230

Received: 06 Aug 2021
Accepted: 17 Feb 2022
Published online: 11 Oct 2022 *

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