Recommendations and Solutions

Oct 13, 2025 by vinooalluri.com 80 views

Introduction

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDS) are a common occupational hazard faced by midwives, particularly those working in hospitals. Despite the high risk of MSDS, many midwives often ignore these complaints, which can have serious consequences on their health and productivity. MSDS can interfere with body function, reduce concentration, and even trigger work accidents. This study aims to analyze the MSDS complaints experienced by midwives at Jeumpa Hospital, Bireuen Regency in 2020.

Background

Midwives play a crucial role in providing healthcare services to patients, particularly during childbirth. However, their work is often characterized by high intensity, repetitive movements, and poor ergonomic postures, which can increase the risk of MSDS. The Nordic Body Map (NBM) method and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) were used to measure complaints from MSDS and assess the ergonomics of body posture among midwives at Jeumpa Hospital.

Methodology

This study employed a quantitative approach with descriptive analysis, involving all 12 midwives who carried out delivery help at Jeumpa Hospital. Data was collected using the NBM method to measure complaints from MSDS and RULA to assess the ergonomics of body posture. The results showed that most midwives experienced high levels of complaints from MSDS, with 11 people (91.7%) experiencing high levels of complaints and 1 person (8.3%) experiencing very high levels of complaints.

Results

The results of RULA's analysis also showed poor conditions, with 6 people (50%) obtaining a score of 4, indicating the need for further examination and immediate change. A total of 5 people (41.7%) obtained a score of 5, indicating the need for examination and changes that had to be made immediately. While 1 person (8.3%) obtained a score of 6, indicating the need for examination and change to be carried out immediately.

Deeper Analysis

The results of this study show that complaints from MSDS are a serious problem faced by midwives at Jeumpa Hospital Bireuen Regency. The high percentage of midwives who experience high to very high levels of complaints highlights the need for serious attention and treatment. Several factors may contribute to the high number of MSDS complaints in midwives, including:

High Workload

Midwives often work with high intensity, especially when helping labor. The position of the body that is not ergonomic and repetitive movements for a long time can trigger complaints from MSDS.

Lack of Awareness and Knowledge

Midwives may not be fully aware of the risk of MSDS and how to prevent them. Lack of knowledge about work ergonomics can also cause them to carry out activities that have the potential to cause the risk of MSDS.

Limited Facilities

Limitations of facilities at Jeumpa Hospital, such as lack of ergonomic work chairs or lack of tools to lift patients, can increase the risk of MSDS in midwives.

Recommendations and Solutions

To overcome the problems of MSDS on midwives, the following recommendations can be applied:

Increasing Awareness and Education

Educational programs about MSDS and Ergonomics of Work need to be given to all midwives at Jeumpa Hospital. This program must include material about prevention, initial handling, and the importance of maintaining bone and muscle health.

Evaluation of Work Ergonomics

Evaluation of Ergonomics Work needs to be done regularly in the delivery room and maternity treatment room. The evaluation results can be used to improve the design of the workplace and equipment used, so that it is more ergonomic and reduce the risk of MSDS.

Improvement of Facilities

Improved facilities at Jeumpa Hospital, such as the procurement of ergonomic work chairs, patient lifting aids, and other equipment that supports work ergonomics, needs to be considered.

Application of Prevention Programs

MSDS Prevention Programs such as ergonomic gymnastics and stretching exercises need to be applied routinely. Coaching about the technique of lifting and moving the correct patient is also important to be given to the midwife.

Increasing Access to Maintenance

Increasing access to health services and medical facilities for midwives who experience complaints from MSDS is also very important. Midwives need to be encouraged to conduct consultations and medical examinations if they feel complaints that interfere with their activities.

Conclusion

MSDS complaints are a serious problem faced by midwives at Jeumpa Hospital, Bireuen Regency. It is essential for hospitals and midwives to work together in implementing effective prevention and treatment steps to reduce the risk of MSDS and maintain the health and productivity of midwives. By increasing adequate awareness, knowledge, and facilities, it is hoped that the MSDS complaints on midwives can be reduced, so that they can provide optimal health services to patients while maintaining their own health and welfare.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

The sample size was small, consisting of only 12 midwives.
The study only focused on midwives at Jeumpa Hospital, Bireuen Regency, and may not be generalizable to other hospitals or regions.
The study did not control for other factors that may contribute to MSDS complaints, such as individual differences in physical fitness or work experience.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Investigate the prevalence of MSDS complaints among midwives in other hospitals and regions.
Examine the effectiveness of different prevention and treatment strategies for MSDS complaints among midwives.
Develop and implement evidence-based guidelines for the prevention and treatment of MSDS complaints among midwives.

By addressing these limitations and future research directions, it is hoped that this study can contribute to the development of effective strategies for preventing and treating MSDS complaints among midwives, ultimately improving their health and productivity.

Q: What are Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDS) and how do they affect midwives?

A: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDS) are a group of conditions that affect the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the affected areas. MSDS can be caused by repetitive movements, poor posture, and other factors that put strain on the muscles and joints. Midwives are at high risk of developing MSDS due to their physically demanding work, which can lead to injuries and long-term health problems.

Q: What are the common symptoms of MSDS among midwives?

A: The common symptoms of MSDS among midwives include:

Pain and stiffness in the back, neck, and shoulders
Limited mobility and flexibility
Fatigue and weakness
Difficulty performing daily tasks and work activities
Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet

Q: What are the risk factors for MSDS among midwives?

A: The risk factors for MSDS among midwives include:

Repetitive movements and tasks
Poor posture and ergonomics
Heavy lifting and bending
Long working hours and shift work
Lack of rest and relaxation
Poor physical fitness and health

Q: How can midwives prevent MSDS?

A: Midwives can prevent MSDS by:

Taking regular breaks and rest periods
Practicing good posture and ergonomics
Using proper lifting and bending techniques
Engaging in regular exercise and physical activity
Maintaining a healthy weight and body mass index (BMI)
Getting enough sleep and relaxation

Q: What are the treatment options for MSDS among midwives?

A: The treatment options for MSDS among midwives include:

Rest and relaxation
Physical therapy and exercise
Pain management and medication
Ergonomic adjustments and modifications
Surgery (in severe cases)

Q: How can hospitals and healthcare organizations support midwives with MSDS?

A: Hospitals and healthcare organizations can support midwives with MSDS by:

Providing education and training on MSDS prevention and treatment
Implementing ergonomic and safety measures in the workplace
Offering regular breaks and rest periods
Providing access to physical therapy and exercise programs
Encouraging midwives to report MSDS symptoms and seek medical attention

Q: What are the long-term consequences of MSDS among midwives?

A: The long-term consequences of MSDS among midwives can include:

Chronic pain and disability
Limited mobility and flexibility
Decreased productivity and work performance
Increased risk of injury and illness
Emotional and psychological distress

Q: How can midwives manage their MSDS symptoms and prevent long-term consequences?

A: Midwives can manage their MSDS symptoms and prevent long-term consequences by:

Seeking medical attention and treatment
Practicing good posture and ergonomics
Engaging in regular exercise and physical activity
Maintaining a healthy weight and body mass index (BMI)
Getting enough sleep and relaxation
Reporting MSDS symptoms and seeking support from colleagues and supervisors.

By understanding the risks and consequences of MSDS among midwives, hospitals and healthcare organizations can take steps to prevent and treat these conditions, and support midwives in maintaining their health and well-being.