Effects of work demands on physical therapists in the KSA

ObjectivesJob stress has been associated with poor outcomes. Physical therapists have reported high levels of job stress and musculoskeletal disorders as a result of the nature of their profession. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of physical and psychological stress on physical therapists working in the KSA.MethodsA validated questionnaire was distributed to 850 physical therapists for the assessment of physical and psychological work demands that could possibly lead to musculoskeletal disorders. The data were statistically analysed using the SPSS statistical package.ResultsA response rate of 64.7% (54.0% males and 46.0% females) was recorded. The clinical experience of the majority of participants was 12.5 ± 6.5 years. The mean values of physical and psychological work demands were 37.8 ± 8.1 and 18.6 ± 5.1, respectively. There were significant correlations between physical demands, work setting, BMI and gender (p < 0.05). The mean values for decision authority, skill discretion, co-worker support and supervisor support were 36.01 ± 3.6, 21.2 ± 2.3, 24.3 ± 2.5, and 24.6 ± 2.0, respectively.ConclusionsPhysical therapists have moderate physical and psychological work demands and moderate to high levels of job control. They think that their work situations are very positive and they may require exerting maximal levels of control to perform their jobs properly and adequately. Therefore health organizations should save the different strategies, facilities and ergonomic measures for physical therapists to avoid or minimize excessive stresses and work demands.