Abstract
Introduction/Importance: Healthcare workers in many specialties are affected by disabling musculoskeletal symptoms and injuries related to the workplace. Ergonomics is the study of aligning the needs of a job and its applications can primarily prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMD) worldwide. The aim of this paper is to assess the prevalence of WMD in all hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and explore any association in regard to individual variables. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using self-administered electronic questionnaires among surgeons working in Riyadh city. Results: Of the 327 participants, 77.4% complained of musculoskeletal symptoms, pain being the most reported symptom 89.3%. The most affected body site was the lower back 57%. 47.3% of participants who didn't complain of MSK symptoms slept over 7 hours daily. Only 21.1% of the participants were aware of the recommendations made by the field of surgical ergonomics. Conclusion: The prevalence of WMD was 77.4%. About one-fifth only are aware of ergonomics recommendations. We recommend that surgical departments should implement more evidence-based ergonomics training protocols to limit the increasing prevalence of WMD.