The prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among adults in Ethiopia: a systematic review protocol
Abstract Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders imposes a significant and most often underappreciated burden to the individual, nation, healthcare system, and society as a whole. A preliminary literature search suggests that there are at present no reliable estimates on the total prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Ethiopia. Further, in Ethiopia, the cloud of infectious and other non-communicable diseases has led to a lack of attention towards work-related musculoskeletal disorders, empirical under-representation, and possible human capital loss. The objective of this protocol is to present a transparent process for how to review the existing literature on the prevalence rates and determinant factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Ethiopia.Method: The proposed methodology is based on Preferred Reporting Systematic Reviews and Protocols (PRISMA-P) statements on the conduct of systematic review and meta-analysis and the MOOSE guidelines for Meta-analysis and Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies. The electronic databases MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Science Direct index, SCOPUS, PEDro, PsyINFO, Embase, Ebsco, and Google Scholar will be systematically searched. Besides, the grey literature resources such as databases or websites of dissertations and theses will be searched. The reference list of screened articles will also be hand searched. All observational studies reporting on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal pain of any bodily region among adult Ethiopians will be included. Random and quality effects models will be used to calculate pooled prevalence with a 95 % confidence interval. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses will be performed. Publication bias and heterogeneity between the included studies will also be assessed and reported.Discussion: The proposed systematic review and meta-analysis will provide valid insight into the pooled prevalence of multi-regional work-related musculoskeletal pain and factors associated. The consensus of data from this review will surely help the policymakers in occupational health and health care sectors in identifying priority areas for interventions in work-related musculoskeletal disorders and will also serve as a baseline for the decision-making processes of musculoskeletal health promotion, work exposure implementations, and prevention programs in workplaces.