Narotam, Sonia P., Harerimana, Alexis, and Pillay, Julian D. (2025) Musculoskeletal pain among South African flight Attendants: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Chiropractic Humanities, 32. pp. 25-32.

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Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to provide details on injuries and musculoskeletal pain among South African flight attendants and to explore their knowledge, perception, and utilization of chiropractic care.

Methods: The study employed a descriptive, cross-sectional design and used a survey for data collection. A total of 108 participants completed the questionnaire from April to November 2022. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies, percentages, and cross-tabulations. Mann- Whitney U tests compared 5-point Likert scale responses regarding chiropractic perceptions between users and non-users.

Findings: The study found that 58% of flight attendants experienced work-related musculoskeletal pain, mainly in the lower back (84.1%) and shoulders (39.7%). Common causes included long shifts (66.7%) and lifting luggage (44.4%). About 32% sought chiropractic care, which 90% found beneficial for both prevention and maintenance. Chiropractic utilization was higher among participants with musculoskeletal pain (41.3%) compared to those without (19.0%, P = .014). Knowledge scores did not differ significantly (P = .369). Positive perceptions (P = .004) and preferences (P < .001) were associated with increased utilization, while limited knowledge (P < .001) and discomfort (P = .046) were linked to decreased utilization.

Conclusion: Despite a significant number of flight attendants reporting work-related musculoskeletal pain, their limited knowledge of chiropractic influenced their perception and usage of the service. There is a need for the aviation industry to address musculoskeletal risks and provide adequate chiropractic education and care to flight attendants.

Item ID:	88897
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1556-3499
Keywords:	Chiropractic, flight attendants, musculoskeletal, pain, utilisation, South Africa
Related URLs:	Publisher
Copyright Information:	© 2025 by National University of Health Sciences.
Date Deposited:	08 Oct 2025 02:53
FoR Codes:	42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4208 Traditional, complementary and integrative medicine > 420899 Traditional, complementary and integrative medicine not elsewhere classified @ 35% 42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4208 Traditional, complementary and integrative medicine > 420801 Chiropractic @ 35% 42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4201 Allied health and rehabilitation science > 420104 Occupational therapy @ 30%
SEO Codes:	20 HEALTH > 2005 Specific population health (excl. Indigenous health) > 200507 Occupational health @ 35% 20 HEALTH > 2001 Clinical health > 200103 Human pain management @ 35% 27 TRANSPORT > 2701 Aerospace transport > 270199 Aerospace transport not elsewhere classified @ 30%
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