Musculoskeletal complaints and psychosocial risk factors among physicians in mainland China

The aim of this study was to investigate musculoskeletal complaints (MSC) among a complete cross-section of physicians in mainland China, for what appears to be the first time. A total of 361 doctors were surveyed (79.2% response rate), with MSC categories focussing on the neck, shoulder, upper back and lower back regions. The 12-month MSC period-prevalence at any region was 67.5%. Complaints were most commonly reported at the lower back (43.7%), followed by the neck (42.3%), shoulder (37.8%) and upper back (29.0%). Female gender was associated with an increased likelihood of MSC at any region (odds ratio, OR: 3.05). Working in the internal medicine department was associated with an increased likelihood of MSC at the neck (OR: 1.85), shoulder (OR: 2.06), upper back (OR: 2.19) and any region (OR: 2.85). Psychosocial risk factors were also identified as follows: too much overtime (OR: 2.04–2.65), high mental pressure (OR: 2.28), inadequate work support (OR: 3.62) and inadequate work discussion (OR: 3.07). Overall, our study suggests that MSC are common among Chinese physicians. The strong correlation between psychosocial factors and MSC supports an increasing body of evidence from various countries.Relevance to IndustryMSC affect a wide variety of workers in the health care industry, and appear to be a particularly important problem for physicians. The sequelae from these conditions may also be important, with 3.5% of our group previously changing jobs because of an MSC. Intervention programs to help reduce physician's MSC and improve their workplace health are therefore urgently needed in Chinese hospitals.