Abstract:

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare musculoskeletal complaints, sleep quality, stress, and fatigue levels of healthcare workers who took and did not take an active role COVID-19 pandemic and to examine the relationship between musculoskeletal complaints and sleep quality, stress and fatigue levels. Materials and methods: Participants included 194 healthcare workers (Female/Male, 131/63; Mean age, 30.9±7.6 years). Participants with an active assignment in COVID-19 related services [COVD group, n (%)=124 (64)] and participants without an active assignment in COVID-19 related services [CONT group, n (%)=70 (36)] were compared. The Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal System Questionnaire, Fatigue Assessment Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were completed. The relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and fatigue, sleep quality and stress was investigated. Results: The musculoskeletal disorders of shoulders, upper back, ankle, and hips/thighs regions in the last 4 weeks were more in COVD group compared to CONT group (p<0.01 for all). The disorders of pain related to body parts were found to be higher at all measurement points in COVD group. The weekly working hours were 43.9±14.7 hours in the COVD group and 34.9±18.8 hours in the CONT group (p=0.001). Sleep quality and stress levels were similar whereas fatigue levels were higher in COVD group (COVD, 28.29±8.49; CONT, 24.77±7.02; p=0.002). A significant relationship was found between musculoskeletal pain in the last 4 weeks and the fatigue, sleep quality, and stress. Conclusions: Healthcare workers who took an active assignment during the COVID-19 pandemic period had more musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue levels and working hours compared to those without an active assignment.

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