Evaluating Musculoskeletal Disorders and Their Ergonomic Risk Factors among Office Workers of a Large Public Hospital in Iran

Abstract

Aims: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries in the musculoskeletal system which is also named as “repetitive stress injury” or “overuse injury”. Inattention to the principles of ergonomics at work is associated with different MSDs. This study evaluated MSDs and their ergonomic risk factors among office workers in a large public hospital in Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019. Participants were 111 office workers of Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan, Iran. Data were collected using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire and the Rapid Office Strain Assessment. The SPSS software (v. 20) and the STATA software were used for data analysis, using t-test and linear regression. Results: Most participants were female (55.9%) and had experienced MSDs during the past week (76%). Subject analysis revealed significant differences in vertebral column's MSDs versus limbs and right-sided limbs versus left ones (P < 0.001). The most common MSDs among participants were in the neck (67.6%), lower back (59.5%), and upper back (55%). MSDs among females were significantly more than males (P < 0.05). MSDs in the lower back among overweight and obese participants were significantly more than others (P < 0.05). Respecting the chair-related ergonomic risk factors for MSDs, 24% of participants were at high risk and 75% of them were at moderate risk. Conclusion: Office workers were at moderate risk for MSDs. Providing education about the principles of ergonomics can reduce their MSDs.

Keywords

• ergonomics
• musculoskeletal disorders
• rapid office strain assessment