The global prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among firefighters: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to explore the global prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among firefighters. A systematical search was performed in three international academic databases (Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science). Overall, 31 articles were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of total MSDs in firefighters was identified as 41% (95% confidence interval [CI] [33, 50]). The prevalence of MSDs in neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, upper extremity and lower extremity was 9% (95% CI [7, 10]), 11% (95% CI [8, 15]), 8% (95% CI [5, 12]), 31% (95% CI [27, 34]), 13% (95% CI [9, 17]) and 16% (95% CI [14, 18]), respectively. No statistically significant relationship was observed between prevalence of MSDs and year of study, mean age, size of sample, duration of prevalence, region or income level. Demographic, occupational and medical condition factors were identified that can create these disorders among firefighters.

KEYWORDS:

• workplace injuries
• occupational injuries
• tactical
• fire and rescue

Acknowledgements

Sharekord University of Medical Sciences had no role in the study design, generating or interpreting the findings, or publication of the survey.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Supplemental data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2023.2294627.

Additional information

Funding

This article was supported by Sharekord University of Medical Sciences [IR.SKUMS.REC.1400.237].