Intervention Study for Modifying Ergonomic Stressors - Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Bankers in Kuwaiti Bank

Abstract

Introduction: Digital data are becoming of increase use among all governmental and non-governmental facilities not only in Kuwait but all over the world. Data mechanization is being used at the medium and small establishments. Thus, screens, mouse, and keyboard terms are being used increasingly by a large number of employees. This extensive use of the digital technology must be accompanied by a parallel one that search for the possible health hazards out of this exposure and how to provide effective control measures that would eliminate or at least control these health hazards. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are important health problems among workers using video display units. Awareness of workers and modification in the workstations might play an effective role to control pain and discomfort resulting from ergonomic stressors. Objectives: To identify pattern of MSDs and environmental health hazards in the studied work places, to find out the ergonomic stressors inside the studied work places, to review health and safety program at the studied bank and to estimate the impact of the proposed intervention on the degree of severity of MSDs among the examined workers. Subjects and Methods: A randomized control intervention study was carried out to include all employees at all branches of a randomly selected bank in Kuwait. Bank branches were selected by simple random technique to be allocated to either control group or intervention group. 117 employees were considered as controls while 127 employees were subjected to the intervention. Evaluation of the results was assessed at 3 intervals (6 months apart) for 18 months. Results of intervention were assessed based on comparison between baseline and after 18 months. Standardized Nordic questionnaire was used to assess musculoskeletal pain/discomfort and the NIOSH computer work station check list was used to assess ergonomic stressors. The intervention included: review and adjustment of the Display Screen Equipment/Visual Display Units, work breaks, relaxation and stretching exercises and physical aspect of workplace environment. Results: Non-adjustable chairs, keyboards and document holders were only significantly improved among the intervention group. The frequency of musculoskeletal complaints at most of the studied body parts were significantly improved among the intervention group. These intervention activities also succeeded to significantly improve body posture in relation to the used computer. The feeling of hot or cold temperature, irritating noise and highly repetitive tasks were significantly improved by intervention. Age, nationality, years spent at work, work duration, smoking and use of computer at home did not have any significant relation to the improvement of musculoskeletal complaint that was achieved among the intervention group. Sex, education, frequent breaks and use of video games at home were only significantly related to improvement of musculoskeletal complaints, among workers enrolled in the intervention group, at isolated body parts. Conclusion: The adopted multiple intervention activities significantly lower the frequency of musculoskeletal complaints at most of the studied body parts and significantly improve body posture in relation to the used computer.