Prevalence of Work‐Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) and Ergonomic Risk Assessment Among Military Aircraft Maintenance Personnel

BackgroundWork related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are one of the most common occupational diseases which mainly affects the lower back, neck and upper and lower extremities. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of WMSDs in nine body regions among Ready Made Garment (RMG) workers in Bangladesh and ergonomics assessment of their exposure to risk factors for the development of WMSDs.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 232 RMG employees (male: 46; female: 186; age: >18yrs) from nine RMG factories in Dhaka division during October 2015 to February 2016. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire consist of demographic questions, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire-Extended (NMQ-E) for WMSDs assessment in nine body regions and Quick Exposure Check (QEC) method for ergonomic assessment. Prevalence of WMSDs for each body region was determined. The association between WMSDs and ergonomic assessment of their exposure to risk factors were also analyzed.ResultsRespondents’ mean age was 31.3 years (SD = 7). Their mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 23.51 kg/m2 (SD = 3.74). Among 186 female respondents, 46 reported lower back pain (24.7%) and 44 reported neck pain (23.7%). Among 46 male respondents, 10 reported neck pain (21.7%) while 6 reported knee pain (13%). Statistically significant relationship was found between twelve month WMSDs in anatomical region in elbows (p = 0.02), hips (p = 0.01), knees (p = 0.01) and ankle (p = 0.05) with age; upper back (p = 0.001), elbows (p = 0.001), wrists (p = 0.03), hips (p = 0.001) and ankles (p = 0.01) with job experience; hips with BMI (p = 0.03); elbows (p = 0.04) with daily working hour. QEC assessment showed that level of exposure to WMSDs risk was high among 80% of the study population (p<0.003).ConclusionThe study found that lower back and neck were the most affected areas among RMG workers. Moreover, QEC findings warned the level of exposure to WMSDs risks is high and ergonomics intervention along with investigation and change to decrease exposure level is essential. Addressing musculoskeletal risk factors through ergonomic interventions in terms of working space, workers sitting/standing posture, seat and hand position during work and work-rest cycle are encouraged in RMG sector and policy makers.

To establish prevalence, risk factors, and impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among farmers in Ireland. In summer 2009, a questionnaire was appended to the Teagasc (Irish Agricultural and Food Development Authority) National Farm Survey (n = 1,110) to obtain data on the prevalence, risk factors and impact of WMSDs amongst farm operators in Ireland. Data were collected by trained recorders and analyzed using chi-square tests, t-tests, Mann-Whitney's U-tests and logistic regression models. The prevalence of WMSDs in the previous year was 9.4% (n = 103), with the most commonly affected body region being the low back 31% (n = 32). Nearly 60% (n = 57) of farmers reported missing at least a full day's work as a consequence of their WMSD. Personal factors evaluated using binary regression analysis, were found not to influence whether or not a farmer experienced a WMSD. However, work-related factors such as larger European Size Units (ESUs, OR: 1.007, CI: 1.002-1.012), greater number of hectares farmed (OR: 2.501, CI: 1.208-4.920), higher income (OR: 1.859, CI: 1.088-3.177), dairy enterprise (OR: 1.734, CI: 1.081-2.781), and working on a full-time farm (OR: 2.156, CI: 1.399-3.321) increased the likelihood of experiencing a WMSD. Working on a full-time farm was the only factor found to independently predict WMSDs in the multiple regression analyses. This study suggests that the prevalence of WMSDs can be reduced by the application of improved farm management practices. A more detailed examination of the risk factors associated with WMSDs is required to establish causality and develop effective interventions.

Background Vehicle repair work is one of the highest risk professions for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Globally, only a few published studies have examined the prevalence and determinants of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among vehicle repair workers. Related studies in Ethiopia are even fewer. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among vehicle repair workers in Hawassa city, South Ethiopia, 2019. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 344 vehicle repair workers in the Hawassa city. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire-Extended (NMQ-E) was used to assess work-related musculoskeletal disorders on nine body regions. Descriptive statistics and multivariable analyses were used to characterize the data and identify factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Result The twelve-month prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among this working group was 47.7% with 95% CI (42.7–53.2). Jobs continuously requiring repetitive motions (AOR: 4.29, 95% CI (1.78–10.2)), not having professional training (AOR: 2.04, 95% CI (1.09–3.81)), force exertion when using tools (AOR: 2.40, 95% CI (1.24–4.62)), job stress (AOR:4.54, 95% CI (2.44–8.46)), and regularly lifting, pushing, and pulling loads greater than 20 kg (AOR:4.85, 95% CI (2.65–8.87)) were identified as associated factors. Conclusion This study showed a 47.7% prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Force exertion, repetitive tasks, manual handling of heavy loads, stress, and lack of training were the identified factors. Ergonomic awareness among workers should be increased through training. In addition, owners should investigate methods to reduce or eliminate risk factors leading to musculoskeletal disorders found among these workers. Automation of high-risk tasks should also be investigated.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are the leading cause of disability worldwide. Shopkeepers are prone to developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders, but they are largely overlooked in research and policy actions, particularly in developing countries. So far, there is a lack of data on the magnitude and factors influencing work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in Ethiopia. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in Gondar City, Ethiopia. A workplace-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2022, in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 625 shopkeepers. The data were collected using an interviewer-administered standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Analysis was made using Stata version 14. Factors associated with the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders were identified using the multivariable Poisson regression model. The adjusted prevalence ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and p-value < 0.05 were applied to establish the significance of associations. The overall prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in the past 12 months was found to be 81.1% (N = 507). The most frequently affected body part was the lower back (46.6%), followed by the upper back (43.8%) and shoulder (35.4%). Being female (p = 0.043), being in the age group of ≥40 years (p = 0.028), being overweight (p = 0.035), experiencing job stress (p = 0.006) and prolonged sitting (p = 0.045) were significant factors for the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers. This study revealed that shopkeepers face an alarmingly high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Female, older, overweight, stressed and shopkeepers who sit in the same position for long periods of time were identified as particularly vulnerable groups. These findings call for the urgent development and implementation of preventive measures, including ergonomic adjustments, education and training programs, stress management techniques and the promotion of physical activity, to protect this vulnerable workforce from the debilitating effects of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and to ensure their long-term health and well-being.

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are important occupational illnesses. Nurses are among the professionals at high risk of WRMSDs. WRMSDs have significant impact and repercussion not only on the workers involved, but also on the organization and society. To date, only a few studies have examined the prevalence and risk factors of WRMSDs among nursing professionals in Malaysia. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the (1) prevalence of WRMSDs; and (2) potential predictors [workplace stressors (psychosocial and physical), emotional distress (depression, anxiety and stress) and work engagement (vigour, dedication and absorption)] of WRMSDs among nurses working in public hospitals in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among female nursing personnel from four public hospitals in the Klang Valley, Malaysia using a self-administered Malay translated and validated questionnaire survey. The validated Malay version of the Standardised Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (M-SNMQ) was used to determine the annual prevalence of WRMSDs while the workplace stressors (psychosocial and physical) was assessed using Karasek’s validated Malay version of the Job Content Questionnaire (M-JCQ). The emotional distress was assessed using the validated Malay version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (M-DASS). Level of work engagement was evaluated using the validated Malay version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (M-UWES). The socio-demographic and occupational information were also obtained from the nurses. Factors associated with WRMSDs were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. A structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis was applied to test the structural relationships of the model using AMOS version 22, with the maximum likelihood ratio as the method of estimation. Results: A total of 550 out of 660 nurses returned the questionnaire (response rate: 83.3%). Of this, only data from 376 nurses were included for overall analysis. The study indicated that the annual prevalence of WRMSDs was 73.1%. WRMSDs in the neck (48.9%) was the most prevalent followed by feet (47.2%), upper back (40.7%) and shoulders (36.9%). The least complaint was received for the arms/elbows (6.6%). In order to extend the statistical analysis further, the body regions were categorized into four anatomical regions. Similar trend was also documented with approximately half of the studied nursing population had WRMSDs in region 1(neck and shoulders), region 3 (upper and lower back) and region 4 (hips, knees, ankles, and feet), while only 26.1% of the nurses developed WRMSDs in region 2 (wrists, arms and hands). Less than 25% of the nurses agreed that WRMSDs affected their quality of life. After adjustment, the results of the multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that workplace stressors (high psychological job demand, low job control, poor social support, and high physical demand) were amongst significant workplace stressors of WRMSDs in different body regions. Also, nurses reporting significant emotional distress (stress, anxiety, and depression) were at risk of WRMSDs in various body regions. Meanwhile, work engagement (vigour, dedication, and absorption) significantly reduced the risk of WRMSDs in all body regions. When all significant factors (cut-off p<0.10) were examined in the final model for each body region, the results indicated that psychological job demand, physical demand, stress, and work engagement significantly predicted WRMSDs in different body regions. The findings also revealed mediating effects of work engagement on the relationship between job control and social support on WRMSDs, respectively. Interestingly, stress also showed mediating effects on the relationship between social support, psychological job demand and physical demands on WRMSDs. Conclusions: The present results suggest that WRMSDs are highly prevalent among public hospital nurses in Malaysia. However, only a minority of the nurses were aware that WRMSDs affected their quality of life. The results suggest that more attention should be given to work-related psychological job demand, physical demand, and stress while addressing the significant role of vigour (work engagement) in ameliorating these negative influences on the WRMSDs among these nurses. The findings have important implications for future longitudinal studies and also in determining interventional programs to be implemented for the prevention and control of WRMSDs in the hospital settings

Background: The most significant factor contributing to discomfort at work for tailors is musculoskeletal disorders. Once musculoskeletal discomfort manifests in any area, it often lasts for a year or more. Implementing ergonomics research can boost productivity while giving workers a better, more pleasant working environment. A tool called REBA is used to evaluate a person's ergonomic risk factors. Its goal is to construct a posture analysis system to identify musculoskeletal concerns in a range of tasks by segmenting the body and separately coding each part. The influence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms on occupational groups have been evaluated using the NMQ. Aims of the Study: To find out the prevalence of work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders and its correlation with Ergonomic risk assessment among Tailors from south Gujarat. Objective of Study: Primary Objective: To find out prevalence of work-related MSDs in tailors. Secondary Objective: To find out its correlation of work-related MSDs with Ergonomic risk assessment among tailors. Materials and Method: In this cross-sectional study, total 150 tailors were taken based on inclusion criteria. Convenient sampling method is selected with age group 25 to 50 years. Work related Musculoskeletal disorders assessed by Nordic whereas Ergonomics risk assessment done by REBA. Result: The result shows that there is high prevalence of lower back pain (34%) in acute work-related MSD and neck pain (26%) in chronic work-related MSD. There are significant correlation of acute neck, shoulder and lower back pain with Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) score and significant correlation of chronic neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist and lower back pain with REBA.

Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are major challenges in the occupational health services industry. Dental practitioners are regularly subjected to ergonomic risks, which can cause Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in various body regions. This comparative cross-sectional study aimed to investigate MSDs and select a proper ergonomic risk assessment method in dental practice. This study was conducted on 70 dentists and 70 administrative staff of dental offices (comparison group) from Shahroud, Iran. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) and two observational ergonomic risk assessment methods, including Quick Exposure Check (QEC) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), were utilized. The results suggested that the mean score of musculoskeletal discomforts was significantly higher in dentists than in the administrative personnel. Additionally, the results of multiple regression analysis technique inferred that job tenure, working hours, and age had a significant impact on total MSDs. Regular exercise was found to significantly reduce neck discomfort complaints. It was also found that QEC was more effective in predicting musculoskeletal discomforts compared to REBA. Considering the high incidence of WMSDs in dentists, various interventional measures revolving around ergonomically redesigned workstations, enhanced physical working conditions, and ergonomic training courses are suggested.

The prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundWork-related musculoskeletal disorders impose a significant and most often underappreciated burden to the individual, nation, healthcare system, and society as a whole. To the best of our knowledge, there is a lack of reliable estimates on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Ethiopia. The objective of this study will be to assess the existing literature on the prevalence rates and determinant factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Ethiopia.MethodWe will search PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, PEDro, and Ebsco (from January 2000 onwards). Gray literature will be identified through searching Google Scholar and dissertation databases. Observational studies reporting on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among adult Ethiopians will be included. The primary outcome will be the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Secondary outcomes will be the prevalence of any risk factors in association with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using an appropriate tool. If feasible, we will conduct random effects meta-analysis of observational data. Subgroup analyses will be conducted to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity (e.g., gender, sample size, type of occupation). Publication bias and heterogeneity between the included studies will also be assessed and reported.DiscussionThis systematic review will provide a synthesis of the literature on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and their risk factors in Ethiopia. The results of this review could help the policymakers in occupational health and healthcare sectors in identifying priority areas for interventions in work-related musculoskeletal disorders and will also serve as a baseline for the decision-making processes of musculoskeletal health promotion, work exposure implementations, and prevention programs in workplaces.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO, CRD42020164240

Introduction Globally, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have resulted in occupational disability and injury. Of these, restaurant workers are among the high-risk professionals usually affected by WMSDs. In Ethiopia, evidence on the burden of musculoskeletal disorder and contributing factors among restaurant workers were very limited. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of self-reported WMSDs and contributing factors among restaurant workers in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia, 2020. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2020 to March 2020 among restaurant workers in Gondar city. A two-stage sampling technique was used to choose 633 study subjects. A structured Nordic questioner was used to collect the data. Data was entered into EpiData version 3.1 and exported to Stata version 14.0 for analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were computed. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to measure the association between WMSDs and independent variables. In the multivariable analysis, a P value of <0.05 was used to declare a statistically significant association. To check the goodness of fit, the Hosmer and Lemeshow test was used. Results The prevalence of WMSDs among restaurant workers in the past 12 months was 81.5% [95% CI (78.18–84.44)]. Attending primary education [AOR: 2.14, 95% CI (1.17–3.90)], attending secondary education [AOR: 1.71 (1.02–2.86)], and job satisfaction [AOR: 1.90, 95%CI (1.13–3.19)] were significantly associated with WMSDs. Conclusion In this study, the prevalence of WMSDs among restaurant workers was high. The upper back, lower back, elbow, and wrist were the most affected body parts. Age above 30 years, educational status being primary and secondary, and being dissatisfied by their job were positively associated with a high prevalence of WMSDs.

Background and objective: The term musculoskeletal disorders includes a gamut of inflammatory and degenerative conditions that affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, peripheral nerves, and supporting blood vessels with consequent ache, pain or discomfort. The risk of musculoskeletal disorders is high among various healthcare professionals. This study investigated the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors among nurses in Erbil teaching hospitals. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Erbil city teaching hospitals in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. A total number of 256 nurses were selected as study samples through the use of non-probability convenience sampling method. The data were collected by a standardized questionnaire through the use of the interview (face to face) technique. Results: The previous 12-month prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses was 67%. Lower back disorder was the most prevalent disorder compared to other body regions at 75% followed by 52% reported in one or both knees, and the lowest percentages (9%) reported in the upper back region. Conclusion: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are high among nurses. There was an association between the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, genders, and training program on preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. It is recommended that training programmes on prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders be implemented for all nurses.

BackgroundPhysiotherapists are known to be prone to Work- related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) but its prevalence among physiotherapists in Nigeria has not been reported. This study investigated the prevalence and work factors of WRMDs among physiotherapists in Nigeria.MethodsA cross- sectional survey was administered to physiotherapists in different parts of Nigeria using a 2- part questionnaire with items adopted from questionnaires used for similar studies around the world. Two hundred and seventeen copies of the questionnaire were distributed for self administration but 126 physiotherapists returned completed surveys for a 58.1% response. The data were analyzed using SPPS version 10 at alpha level of 0.05. Descriptive statistics of frequency and percentages and inferential statistics of x2 were used as appropriate for data analysis.ResultsReported 12- month prevalence of WRMDs among Nigerian physiotherapists was 91.3%. Prevalence of WRMDs was significantly higher in female physiotherapists (p = 0.007) and those with lower body mass index (p = 0.045). The low back (69.8%) was the most commonly affected body part, followed by the neck (34.1%). Fifty percent of the physiotherapists first experienced their WRMDs within five years of graduation and the highest prevalence (61.7%) was found among physiotherapists younger than 30 years. Treating large number of patients in a day was cited by most (83.5%) of the respondents as the most important work factor for their WRMDs. The most commonly adopted coping strategy identified was for the therapists to modify their position and/or the patient's position (64.3%). Majority of the respondents (87.0%) did not leave the profession but 62.6% changed and/or modified their treatment because of their WRMDs.ConclusionThe prevalence of WRMDs among physiotherapists in Nigeria is higher than most values reported for their counterparts around the world. The coping strategies and work factors of WRMDs among Nigerian physiotherapists are mostly similar to those of their counterparts elsewhere.

The workers in emerging manufacturing are at decreased risk of traditional occupational diseases, while probably at increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of WMSDs among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing. A total of 3,359 valid questionnaires were collected from 10 enterprises in the electronics, pharmaceutical, and motor manufacturing industries. The prevalence of WMSDs was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The work posture load was evaluated through a questionnaire. The results showed that the highest prevalence of WMSDs was observed in part of the neck (15.0%), followed by the lower back (12.5%), shoulders (11.2%), and upper back (7.1%). Female workers, workers aged older than 35 years, workers with a BMI of ≥28 kg/m2, longer working experience, never exercised had a higher prevalence of WMSDs. Logistic regression analysis showed that female workers, workers aged older than 35 years, with a middle school education and college degree, and workers who never exercised had a higher risk of WMSDs. In addition, workers who sat for long during work, worked hard with upper limbs or hands, worked in uncomfortable postures, and performed repetitive operations were positively related with the increased risk of WMSDs. These findings suggested that WMSDs were prevalent among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing, China, while efforts should be made to reshape the risk factors associated with WMSDs, such as prolonged sitting, uncomfortable positions, and repetitive operations. Encouraging exercise and promoting ergonomic interventions probably be also benefit to induce the risk of WMSDs.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries or disorders affecting muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are significantly influenced by the work environment and performance, often exacerbated by job conditions. WMSDs affect various body parts associated with movement, including upper and lower limbs and the back, caused or aggravated by work activities. Factors like joint positions, repetitive motions, and high static muscle loads contribute to these issues. Grocery store workers, particularly those involved in manual labor and repetitive tasks, have a high incidence of WMSDs, with prevalent complaints of lower back, knee, and upper extremity pain. Materials &amp; Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 96 participants aged 18-50, working a minimum of 5 hours daily with at least one year of experience in material handling. Exclusions were made for those receiving treatment for musculoskeletal diseases, with deformities, degenerative conditions, unwilling participants, or cash register workers. Data collection included the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) in Hindi and photographs of participants in their most attended work postures. The Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) was used to evaluate ergonomic risks. Results: The study found a high prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort among grocery store workers, particularly in the lower back, knees, neck, and ankles. The number of working years which shows that 50% of the population lies in the range of 1-5 years followed by 30.02% in 6-10 Years. The number of working hours which shows that 42.7% of subjects work for 6-7 hours and 20.83% for 9-10 hours. The REBA scores indicated that 42.7% of participants were at high risk (scores 8-10), 38.54% at medium risk (scores 4-7), and 14.5% at very high risk (scores 11-15), necessitating immediate ergonomic interventions. Conclusion: Grocery store workers are at a high risk of developing WMSDs, with significant discomfort in the lower back, knees, ankles, and neck. Limitations include lack of segregation among working patterns, and not considering rest intervals or BMI. Future research should focus on intervention studies, segregating working patterns, and advising preventive measures to mitigate these risks. Keywords: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, Ergonomic risk assessment, Grocery store workers, Musculoskeletal disorder prevalence, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment)

Background: Physiotherapists (PTs) are at the highest risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) because of the nature of demands from their profession. This review aims to describe current knowledge associated with the prevalence and risk factors of WMSDs among Indian PTs. Methods: Various electronic databases were searched for literature relating to WMSDs in PTs from India between years 2010 and 2020. Four full texts and two abstracts were selected based on the inclusion criteria and reviewed in a narrative way. Results: Overall prevalence of WMSDs among PTs was reported to be high, with lifetime prevalence as high as 91%, and the lower back, neck, upper back, and shoulders as the most frequently affected in descending order. The major risk factors reported for WMSDs were: lifting, physical load, transferring, static and awkward static postures, treating a large number of patients per day, and repetitive movements. WMSDs were reported to be associated with age, gender, and physical activity levels, with a higher prevalence in female PTs. Also the younger PTs and PTs with lower physical activity levels were reported to be more affected. Conclusion: It was inferred that the work-related injuries are not prevented by the knowledge about cor­rect body mechanics and skills. PTs need to develop work modification strategies and mechanical aids to reduce WMSDs in without compromising the quality of treatment.