Abstract
Background
Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most prevalent occupational health issues among healthcare
workers. Recent studies conducted at the University of Johannesburg aimed determine the prevalence
and related occupational risk factors of musculoskeletal disorder in undergraduate health science
students in the Chiropractic and Complementary Medicine departments at the University of
Johannesburg.
Aim
This research aimed to conduct a secondary analysis of a study done by Cartwright (2020) on the
prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders in Chiropractic and Complementary Medicine
students in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Johannesburg.
Methodology
The methodology for this study was a cross-sectional descriptive and comparative study utilising data
from previous studies from the University of Johannesburg. A total of 179 chiropractic and 73
complementary medicine students completed the questionnaires.
Results and discussion
The risk factors proven to be statistically significant for each region were, the course of study (p=0.001),
quality of the seated position (p=0.01), repetitive motions in practical classes (p=0.038), hours per week
studying at home (p=0.011), and moving patients (p=0.023), for neck pain. The shoulder pain’s risk
factors were practicing chiropractic manipulations (p=0.015) and lifting heavy equipment with the back or
knees (p=0.02). Upper back pain’s risk factors were gender (p=0.011), the course of study (p=0.001),
and quality of the seated position (p=0.02). The elbow pain’s risk factors were repetitive movements in
practical classes (p=0.036) and walking as a form of exercise (p=0.003). Hand and wrist pain’s risk factors
were the course of study (p=0.03), treating a patient (p=0.042), and location of study (p=0.003). Low back
pain’s risk factors were the year of study (p=0.042), quality of the seated position (p=0.006), mostly done
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)