CHARACTERISTICS OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG PEACEKEEPING FORCES AT VIETNAM’S LEVEL-2 FIELD HOSPITAL IN SOUTH SUDAN

Tóm tắt

Objectives: To describe the characteristics of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among peacekeeping forces in the Unity Sector of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted on 1,638 patients who presented to Vietnam’s Level-2 Field Hospital (VNL2H) in South Sudan and were diagnosed with MSDs from 2020 to 2024. Study variables included age, unit, diagnosis (classified according to ICD-10), anatomical site of injury, and surgical intervention. Results: Between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2024, VNL2H managed 7,077 patients, of whom 1,638 (23.2%) presented with MSDs. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue represented 63.6% of cases, with dorsopathies accounting for 33.0%. Injuries accounted for 36.4%, of which soft tissue trauma represented 26.4%. Joint disorders and soft tissue injuries were most prevalent among the Ghanaian Force Police Unit (GHANAFPU), whereas dorsopathies, soft tissue trauma, wounds, fractures, and animal bites were more common among the UNMISS Assistance Force (AssUNMISS). Conclusion: MSDs were common among peacekeeping forces in the Unity Sector of UNMISS. Arthropathies and dorsopathies were the most prevalent among musculoskeletal conditions, while soft tissue trauma was the most frequent type of injury.