DISPARITIES IN SEVERE LABOUR PROCESSES AMONG URBAN AND RURAL MEDICAL WORKERS OF GHANA: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
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Abstract
Healthcare workers in rural Ghana face higher physical workloads compared to their urban counterparts, which potentially increases occupational health risks.
Objective – to conduct a comparative analysis of physical workloads and health indicators between rural and urban healthcare workers in Ghana.
Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study involved 270 rural and 516 urban healthcare workers. Data were collected via questionnaires and included an assessment of physical workloads (dynamic, static, repetitive movements, working posture) and health indicators (injuries, musculoskeletal disorders). Statistical analysis included calculating odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in accordance with the R 2.2.2006-05 standards.
Results. Rural workers experienced significantly higher physical workloads while performing professional tasks. The rates of injuries (OR = 2.77) and musculoskeletal disorders (OR = 2.46) among rural healthcare workers were 2.8 and 2.5 times higher than urban rates, respectively.
Conclusion. The results confirm increased physical workloads and associated health risks among rural healthcare workers in Ghana, highlighting the need to improve working conditions and resource provision in rural medical institutions.
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The authors declare that they have no apparent or potential conflicts of interest related to the publication of this article.
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