ABSTRACT

Objective : This study is a descriptive examination related to musculoskeletal disorders and the risk factors between pediatric and adult occupational therapists as a way to provide basic information for the purpose of preventing musculoskeletal disorders. Methods : This study surveyed 101 occupational therapists who are employed at ten general hospitals and social welfare centers in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. A questionnaire was used as the research tool for determining their socio-demographic characteristics, job satisfaction, workload, task frequency, and symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders. The data were analyzed using the SPSS Version 17.0. Results : The waist and back are the areas that pediatric and adult therapists complain about being the most painful. The next problem areas are the shoulders followed by the neck. When reviewing the occurrence of factors that influence musculoskeletal disorders according to the body area, the results show that these factors increased 4 to 15 times depending on the therapist's posture while treating patients, conducting their workload, and frequently doing tasks. Conclusion : The results show that the prevalence rate of musculoskeletal disorders of occupational therapists is significantly higher. To enhance the posture and physical task environment for therapists working in a diverse range of departments, further studies are needed.