WORK ABILITY INDEX AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS IN WORKERS AT TRAKIA UNIVERSITY - STARA ZAGORA

Abstract

Demographic trends in the EU-27 show a gradual increase of the 55-64 age group (26% of the workforce). Natural aging is accompanied by complex age-related changes that lead to a progressive decrease in the body's adaptive capacity. The Work Ability Index (WAI) is a self-assessment tool for the physical and mental resources needed to perform various work activities. PURPOSE of this study was to determine WAI, musculoskeletal disorders and workplace risk factors for the employees of Trakia University, Stara Zagora. METHODS: A survey was performed using the WAI Questionnaire, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire, and a questionnaire on risk factors in the work environment. RESULTS: The total number of valid surveys was 513 (56.5% of all employees). Workers aged 55-64 had the highest share - 36.6%, followed by those aged 45-54 years (24.9%). The mean WAI score for all employees was good - 41.5. Clinical teaching staff had the highest mean WAI score (43.7), while preclinical tutors (40.9) and medical professionals (40.6) had the lowest. A significant negative correlation was found between WAI and age (r = -0.15; p <0.0005), as well as between WAI and work experience (r = -0.17; p <0.0003). Most common in the prevalence of reported diseases were musculoskeletal disorders (25.0%), followed by cardiovascular (14.69%) and gastrointestinal diseases (12.7%). Risk factor analysis showed that 55.9% of the respondents indicated using display screen equipment, 37.5% - frequent, repetitive hand movements, and 27.7% - working at a non-ergonomic workstation for at least half of the working time. CONCLUSION: The obtained results show good work ability of the employees at the university, but also the need for prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, which are mainly due to long work hours involving display screen equipment.