Musculoskeletal Pain among Work from Home Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic - A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns had brought many changes in the working patterns of the people. Work from home, which has been becoming the new normal is suspected to increase the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and stress. Aim: To assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among the work from home population and hence bring the required changes to ergonomics. Methods and Materials: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted among the urban population (IT employees) of Chengalpattu district. A total of 180 participants were included in the study. Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, adapted to fit the current study was used as a self-administered online questionnaire to collect data from the participants. Results: Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among work from home population was found to be 84% with low backache being the most common musculoskeletal pain. Around 50% of the participants either had an increase in pain (18.9%) or reported that the pain started only during the lockdown (30.6%). Majority of the participants (55.6%) had more than 8 hours of work per day, which may be attributed to the increase in musculoskeletal pain. Perceived stress levels were found to be increased during the work from home period. Conclusion: The absence of ergonomic office furniture may lead to increased faulty posture increasing the musculoskeletal pain, hence awareness on factors like right posture, using the right furniture should be ensured among home working population. By bringing out the required changes in ergonomics for the home working population, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and stress can be reduced.