Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Quality of Work Life Among a Nigerian University Academic Staff

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders are commonest work-related illnesses causing significant economic burden in terms of lost wages, treatment, and compensation. The study assessed the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSKD) and quality of work life (QWL) among University of Medical Sciences academic staff. Fifty nine academic staff (36 males, 23 females) were purposefully recruited for the study. Questionnaire on Nordic, Quality of work life and Visual Analogue Scale were used to assess the prevalence WRMSKD, QWL and pain intensity. Questionnaires were given the respondents; they were retrieved after they due completion. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Alpha level was set at P<0.05. Results showed that 51 (86.4%) reported 12-months prevalence of WRMSKD. Thirty-six respondents, (61%); reported WRMSKD in the last 7 days. The body part most affected was the neck (33 55.9%); 51(86.4%) reported that pain was caused by work. There was an inverse relationship between pain intensity and each of work experience (r = -0.289, P = 0.026), cadre (r = -0.312, P = 0.016) and extra working hours (r = -0.372, P = 0.004). This study showed that there was high prevalence of WRMSKD among academic staff and neck was most prevalent. Pain intensity was inversely related to each of the work experience, cadre, and extra-working hours.