A qualitative study of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among midwives in selected hospitals in Ho municipality, Ghana.

ABSTRACT

Objective and rationale The study sought to explore the experiences of midwives at selected hospitals in the Ho municipality regarding work-related musculoskeletal disorders, the predisposing factors, the impacts on them, and their coping strategies to mitigate the effects of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: This study adopted a qualitative research approach with a phenomenological study design. Purposive sampling was employed in this study to select participants. Data was collected and recorded on voice recording devices from fifteen (15) midwives through an interview using a semi-structured interview guide. Data was manually transcribed and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: The four emerging themes include the lived experiences of midwives regarding musculoskeletal disorders, predisposing factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders, impact of musculoskeletal disorders, and coping strategies of midwives. These themes were further expanded by their sub-themes in describing musculoskeletal conditions, onset, understaffing of midwives, awkward posture assumption during care delivery, limited logistics, struggle with quality of life, impaired work performance, rest and good body mechanics, and teamwork. Conclusion: To lower the rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among midwives and increase work efficiency and productivity, educational programs on prevention and coping mechanisms for musculoskeletal disorders should be made mandatory for midwives.