Prevalence Of Musculoskeletal Discomfort Research Articles

Prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort with associated disability among adult male motorcyclist

BackgroundThis study conducted to determine the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal discomfort among two-wheeler riders; however, musculoskeletal discomfort refers to pain, discomfort, or impairment in the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, or other structures that support the body’s movement. It is a common problem experienced by individuals involved in various physical activities, including motorcycle riding.MethodsThis investigation was longitudinal research in which the Nordic muscular questionnaire (NMQ) was used to rule out the possibility of musculoskeletal disorders in motorcyclists. In Karachi, Pakistan, data were collected beginning in September of 2021 and continuing through February of 2022 using the convenience sampling method. Sixty-four individuals made up the sample. Participants were males ranging between the ages of 19 and 50 who rode standard motorcycles for their commute for about 6 to 8 h daily. Participants who had a tumor, an infection, or other comorbid are excluded.ResultsSixty-four participants were included in this study, out of which 40 (62.5%) reported difficulty and discomfort in their neck, followed by their lower back (48.5%), shoulders (34.4%), and hips (26.6%). Sixteen motorcyclists (25%) complained wrist pain. When asked out their level of discomfort. However, 51.6% of individuals experienced lower back pain at the 12th month, while 46.9% had neck pain. 28.1%, 17.2%, and 14.1% reported shoulder, hip, and upper back discomfort. 51.6% of individuals had not seen a specialist for lower back symptoms. Lower back, neck, shoulders, and hip have been affected the longest, according to participants.ConclusionIn conclusion, motorcyclists had a substantially greater rate of musculoskeletal problems than other drivers. Regulating musculoskeletal disorders in motorcyclists helps reduce symptoms and clinical indications of disease.

Prevalence And Risk Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Discomfort among Vegetable Street Vendors

Background: The common health problem among workers is musculoskeletal disorders due to intensive manualwork(1). Pain, stiffness, swelling are the symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders(1)..High energy expenditures,heavy spinal loading during lifting and carrying, highly repetitive movements and crawling, stooping andother difficult work postures are require at field work and for material handling(14).Aim: To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with musculoskeletal discomfort among vegetablestreet vendors.Objectives: To find out prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort in vegetable street vendors by using NordicMusculoskeletal questionnaire.To find out correlation between personal factors, working factors and musculoskeletal discomfort.Materials and methodology: 125 Vegetable vendors were participated in this study. Age range between 18-60years. Subjects having more than 5 years of experience are included.They were given consent form ,screeningform and Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and the area of pain was marked by them on scale. The data wastaken on excel sheet and data analysis was done then results were calculated.Result: The prevalence of 69.60% was obtained in vegetable street vendors. The most body part involved arelower back 44.80% , ankle/feet 32% ,the least affected body parts are elbows and wrist/hands. The musculoskeletaldiscomfort is positively associated with gender, age and not associated with other factors such asBMI, work experience, working hours/day,working days/week, excessive repetition,sitting for long period atwork,etc.Conclusion: According to the present study there is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among vegetablestreet vendors in latur city. The commonly affected body region are lower back, ankle/feet and knees.

Musculoskeletal discomfort and wrist flexor tendonitis among street sweepers and associated risk factors.

Street sweepers are reported to suffer from high rates of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort worldwide, especially in their wrists. The study aimed to 1) determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and 2) specifically determine the prevalence of wrist flexor tendonitis and its associated risk factors among street sweepers. Three hundred and eighty-five sweepers employed by the Faisalabad Waste Management Company (FWMC) participated in this cross-sectional study. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data: the first section provided demographic information, the second assessed musculoskeletal disorders, and the third section assessed the wrist flexor tendonitis among street sweepers. The mean age of the sweepers was 38.34 years. Out of 385 street sweepers, the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort was reported in 265 (68.83%). The prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort in sweepers reported during COVID-19 according to the past 12 months, the highest three prevalence rates were 46.5% in the wrists/hands, 37.9% in the shoulders and 35.1% in the lower back. The three highest prevalence rates of musculoskeletal discomfort in sweepers according to the last 7 days were 29.6% in the wrists/hands, 24.4% in the lower back and 24.2% in the shoulders. Out of total 385 participants, prevalence of wrist flexor tendonitis was reported in 103 (26.8%) sweepers. Significant association was found (p < 0.05) between wrist flexor tendonitis and gender (p < 0.003), age (p < 0.05), working experience (p < 0.003), street sweeping distance (p < 0.01), number of brooms used per month (p < 0.002) and getting tired at the end of work (p < 0.001). The prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort and wrist flexor tendonitis seen during COVID-19 is high among sweepers, with wrist/hand being the most commonly reported region for pain. This study emphasizes the importance of providing guidelines about effective precautionary healthcare measures for street sweepers.

Impact of Laptop Usage, Typing Skills, and Ergonomics on Musculoskeletal Pain among Medical Resident Doctors – An Observational Study

Background: In today’s era of digital learning, the utility of laptops has drastically been increased. Sustained postural strain resulting from poor ergonomics while using laptops may lead to musculoskeletal discomforts (MSD). This study aimed to determine touch-typing skills of medical students, quantitative assessment of their postural ergonomics, and implications of their efforts while typing on the prevalence of MSD. Methods: Sixty medical students were asked to take an online typing test (www.ratatype.com) and their typing speed in words per minute (WPM) and accuracy (%) were noted. The lateral pictures of the students were taken while performing the typing test and objective ergonomics analysis using craniovertebral angle (CVA) and rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) scoring system. Results: None of the students demonstrated touch typing proficiency. The average typing speed (WPM) and accuracy (%) were observed to be 27.893 and 94.768, respectively. The mean CVA was 33.17, much lower than the average norm. The mean final RULA score was 5.62, indicating a high degree of MSD risk. Moderate-to-severe laptop users (≥4 h/day) showed higher prevalence of MSDs (P &lt; 0.05) as compared to normal-to-mild users. A significant negative correlation was found between CVA and RULA scores. Conclusion: The study concluded average typing speed and accuracy, poor ergonomics (low CVA), and moderate-to-high MSD risk (based on RULA score) were seen among students. A high MSD prevalence was reported in laptop usage of ≥ 4 h/day, which can be ascribed to postural strain from improper typing habits and poor ergonomics.

Alteraciones musculoesqueléticas por teletrabajo en docentes durante la COVID-19

Objective: To estimate the presence of existing musculoskeletal alterations in teachers, when performing telework at the San Felipe Neri Educational Unit during COVID-19. Method: Descriptive observational study. Results: The musculoskeletal alterations present in this population presented mostly as onset of symptoms less than 1 year ago, in all regions both in dorsal or lumbar, neck, hand or wrist, shoulders and elbow or forearm with 45.35% (N=39); 32.56% (N=28), 29.07% (N=25); 4.65 (N=4); 3.49% (N=3), respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort may be affected by lack of knowledge about ergonomic measures for this modality, since it was a way of working different from what they were used to performing and in an unexpected way during their workday and from home, where a workplace has been improvised. For which it is recommended to implement ergonomic measures for the teleworking activity.

The relationship between Lifestyle and Mental Workload with the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Discomfort: A Case Study in the Automotive Industry

The relationship between Lifestyle and Mental Workload with the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Discomfort: A Case Study in the Automotive Industry

Musculoskeletal symptoms and associated factors among manual porcelain workers at different workstations: a cross-sectional study.

To investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) symptoms and to identify the associated factors (individual, and work-related) among manual porcelain workers at different workstations. The risk level of each workstation was also assessed based on the working postures for the purpose of improving occupational health. In total, 349 workers were recruited for this cross-sectional study. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to collect data on WMSDs symptoms in nine body regions. The relationship between individual/occupational factors and WMSDs symptoms was determined using multiple logistic regression analysis. The Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method was applied to classify the risk level of working postures at the five workstations (shaping, trimming, glazing, painting, and burning). The prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort in at least one body region within the past 12months was 69.1% among the participants: the neck (49.3%), lower back (43.8%), and shoulders (27.5%). Sex, work experience, daily working hours, perceived work fatigue, and workstation, were significantly associated with WMSDs symptoms in different body regions. The REBA indicated that 57.8% and 32.5% of the working postures were in the medium- and above high-risk levels, respectively. The findings of this study showed a high occurrence of WMSDs symptoms among manual porcelain workers and suggested that both individual and work-related characteristics should be considered to improve occupational health. Furthermore, urgent ergonomic intervention is needed to avoid awkward working postures that cause WMSDs symptoms in porcelain workers, particularly at the shaping and burning workstations.

Musculoskeletal discomfort in veterinary healthcare professions.

Veterinarians appear to be at risk for work-related musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD), based on surveys conducted outside the US. This study provides new information about MSD prevalence in veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the US. Cross-sectional survey and observation. A survey of 56 veterinarians and 38 veterinary technicians in Ohio found 12-month prevalence of MSD exceeded 60% in the neck, low back, and legs/feet. More than 85% of participants reported that work activities exacerbated discomfort in at least one region. Less than one-third of participants reported symptom-related lost work time. Personal and work-related burnout scores were higher for veterinary technicians, compared with veterinarians. Nine percent of observed work activities performed by veterinarians and 43% performed by veterinary technicians were rated high or very high risk. High prevalence of MSD and low lost work time suggest many individuals are working in pain. Increased adoption of existing ergonomics solutions (equipment and process changes), in addition to further investigation of unmet needs, could improve working conditions and reduce musculoskeletal stress in veterinary health professions.

Prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Rural Housewives in Central India

Introduction: Domestic work that includes cleaning, cooking, moping, tidying up, and procurement of basic amenities often extends to the entire day and requires significant physical, emotional, and intellectual labor. The economic burden of musculoskeletal pain is ranked as second to that of cardiovascular disease. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among the rural housewives in Central India and to find out the association of prevalence with demographic variables. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 housewives who were selected through random sampling from the villages of Raipur district, Chhattisgarh. Demographic proforma and the standardized musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire were used to collect data regarding MSDs after obtaining all legal permissions. Statistical Package for Social Sciences 16 was used to analyze the collected data. Results: Around 61% (303) housewives were around 61% (303) were suffering with musculoskeletal discomforts and out of them 39.27% had pain at the hip region, 37.95% were suffering with lower backache and 19.47% had pain in both knees. There was a significant association (P &lt; 0.05) of the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomforts with age, body mass index, marital status, no. of children, and monthly income. Conclusion: Housewives’ socio-economic and physical health status are contributing risk factors toward the prevalence of MSDs. The social, psychological, and work-related factors are not only affecting the housewife’s health and safety it also reducing the gross productivity. Thus, an education and practice of good posture, ergonomic measures, health schemes, and health awareness among rural housewives are very much required.

Prevalence of Musculo-skeletal Discomfort and Level of Functional Limitations among Physiotherapists in Karachi City

Introduction: Musculoskeletal discomfort is one of the most prevalent muscular pain condition hindering normal activities reported by physical therapists and health care professionals generally engaged in handling and mobilizing patients. The study was conducted to find the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort and level of functional limitations in physiotherapists. Method: This research was questionnaire based cross sectional study conducted in Karachi city from January to April 2019.Data collection was completed from registered physical therapists employed in different institutions. Two questionnaires were filled by the physiotherapists. Questionnaire 01, including thirteen questions on functional activities of daily life which are potentially related to functional areas of Neck Disability Index (NDI). Questionnaire 02 was based on 1987 version of Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. Results: Participation of 80 physical therapists in the study.75% was directly involved with patient handling and 25% were teachers. A total of 35% therapists reported 7 days symptoms prevalence with a higher prevalence in cervical (77.1%), lower back (68.6%) and upper back (51.4%).Similarly 65% workers showed previous 12 month symptoms with higher prevalence in neck (72.3%). Gender prevalence of 7days and 12 months was high in female therapist. Conclusion: It has been concluded that 12 month prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort was 65%, whereas 7 days was 35% and level of functional limitation from activities was insignificant. Keywords: Epidemiology, musculoskeletal discomfort, Severity, Physical therapy,

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorder in Wrist and Fingers amomg Amateur Piano Players in Vellore

Background: Now a days the number of students studying piano in tertiary institution is being increasing. The piano player is similar to athletic activity to play the notes accurately. Posture plays a vital role in piano playing. Musicians are prone to injuries due to the nature of musical practice, inappropriate body postures and potentially harmful playing techniques. Majority of amateur players are prone to injuries, the main objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort among piano players in three different wrist styles in piano playing. Methodology: A total 150 samples of age 8 to 15 years of both gender from Kingsway music academy. who use to play piano minimum 30 mins with minimum 6 months of learning experience were recruited for the study, initially their level of pain and discomfort in hand and wrist was measured using Cornell hand discomfort questionnaire Conclusion: The statistical analysis shows that there is pain in fourth and fifth finger in all wrist position and also weight playing method has significant pain among three wrist position .This also study concludes that correct positioning during piano playing can minimize the playing related musculoskeletal disorder.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Discomfort Among Workers in a Medical Manufacturing Facility

Medical manufacturing has shown great growth potential in Malaysia, and this sector has created numerous jobs for both local and foreign workers. The workers involved in this industry are exposed to ergonomic risk factors, which lead to discomfort in different body parts. Despite the numerous studies on occupational hazards and the prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs), little is known about the prevalence of WMSDs for workers working in the medical manufacturing facility, especially in Malaysia. Thus, the main objective of this study is to identify the prevalence of WMSDs among workers in the selected medical manufacturing industry in Malaysia. Structured interviews using Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) were conducted among 10 male workers (mean age of 44 ± 10.83 years, age range of 24–55 years, and working experience range of &lt;1–27 years). The results indicate that the workers experienced the highest discomfort in three body parts; (1) lower back, (2) shoulders, and (3) upper back. The discomfort felt by the workers was 74.36%, 8.96% and 5.52% in the lower back, shoulders, and upper back, respectively. The findings of this study will provide an insight that could be useful for managers and occupational safety, and health officers in the medical manufacturing industry to prevent WMSDs.

A cross sectional study on musculoskeletal discomfort and its determinants among agricultural workers in a rural community of Tamil Nadu

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are the major contributors of disability worldwide. So, the aim of the present study was to estimate the magnitude and the determinants of musculoskeletal discomfort among agricultural workers in a rural area of Tamil Nadu. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among 110 subjects aged 15 years and above residing in Veerapandi village, Theni, Tamil Nadu from July to December 2018. A structured questionnaire incorporating nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to collect data. The prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) and its determinants were the main outcome variables. It was analysed with Epi info statistical software. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were done keeping p vale&lt;0.05 as statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the study population was 39.37±12.75 years. Majority (38.2%) were between 25 to 34 years. 54.5% were feamles. The prevalence of MSD was 63.6% (95% C.I. of 53.9% to 72.6%). Lower back (48.5%) was the most common site of MSD followed by knees (45.75%) and neck (35.7%). In bivariate and multivariate analysis, age, female gender and obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) were the statistically significant determinants of MSD in the study population. Conclusions: The prevalence of MSD was very high in the study population. There is a pressing need for introduction of lifestyle modifications in high‐risk groups and initiate rehabilitative measures for those affected.

A case study of Taiwanese custom-beverage workers for their musculoskeletal disorders symptoms and wrist movements during shaking task

This study administered the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to a convenience sample of 106 workers at custom-beverage vendors in Taiwan (who prepare drinks through manual shaking) to explore their work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and identify risk factors for these disorders symptoms. Wrist posture for twenty workers were also measured for three shaking methods using an electrogoniometer. The prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort in the past year among the respondents was 88.6%. Most of them reported discomfort in their hands/wrists (67.9%), followed by the lower back/waist (44.3%), knees (39.6%), and shoulders (38.7%). Hands/wrists and low back/waist discomforts varied significantly by the worker's gender and the number of working days per week, and hands/wrists discomfort also by the shaking method. Knee discomfort was affected by age and whether rest periods at work were scheduled, whereas shoulder discomfort by work experience, number of working days per week, and number of drink orders prepared per day. Measurements in wrist postures exhibited that repetitive activity for each wrist was as high as 4 time/s for a cup preparation (10 s). Among shaking methods, curve swing can constrain the shakers' wrists in a relatively neutral position and a smaller range of movement than others, regardless of the sex. Relevance to industryBecause of the nature of shaking-based beverage preparation work, the respondents have a higher prevalence of discomfort in the hands/wrists, lower back/waist, knees, and legs/ankles than their counterparts in other industries. These findings are expected to inform the prevention and alleviation of musculoskeletal discomfort in custom-beverage workers.

Parental Awareness of Musculoskeletal Health Consequences Due to Overweight Bag in Primary School Students

Background: Musculoskeletal discomfort is high in school going children in Kolhapur. The primary trigger for the discomfort is heavy school bags as identified through previous studies. Despite the Government of Maharashtra’s resolution to limit the school bag weight, a significant load reduction is lacking. Here we assessed the awareness and corrective measures regarding the weight of the school bag in parents and school authorities in primary school children. Materials and Methods: In this Cross sectional, prospective study, five schools, namely—A, B, C, D, E were selected based on feasibility. Two hundred and one consenting parents of students belonging to class 1 (6-7 year) from each school filled out a pre-tested questionnaire to assess their awareness. Statistical analysis of the response was calculated through chi-square test (P&lt;0.05). Results: Predominant weight carried by school children exceeded 10% of their body weight (mean total weight: 3.891 1.96 kg; gross weight: 3.014 1.63 kg; n=154). Prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort was 52.7%. Style of carrying the school bag significantly influenced development of discomfort (P=0.002). School authorities (n=5) and parents were aware of the Governmen t resolution (n=183). But parents neither considered the weight of the bag at the time of purchase (n=148) nor helped their children pack their school bags (n=137). Conclusion: While there is increased awareness in parents and school authorities, there is lack of action. Corrective measures in terms of behavioural attitudes in parents and school authorities is necessary to bring about the expected changes.

Alternative PACS interface devices are well-accepted and may reduce radiologist's musculoskeletal discomfort as compared to keyboard-mouse-recording device.

To evaluate the use of two alternative picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) interface devices (a graphics tablet and a handheld controller) in clinical practice and on task-oriented exercises. Eleven senior radiologists were prospectively evaluated. The participants used the two tested interface devices for 10 working periods each and answered a questionnaire to evaluate the ergonomics of this experience. The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort with the standard PACS interface set (mouse-keyboard-recording device) and these two devices was assessed. Exercises evaluating image scrolling and selection, image zooming and panning, image windowing, performing measurements, and reporting were performed with the standard PACS interface set and with the two tested devices. The sitting posture and hand position were evaluated. The general appreciation of the two alternative interface devices was considered to be similar to that of the standard interface set. The ergonomics of the handheld controller was considered to be slightly better than that of the standard interface set. The prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort was 81%, 45%, and 18% for the standard interface set, graphics tablet, and handheld controller, respectively. With the graphics tablet and the handheld controller in 45% and 60%, respectively, there was a working posture change with respect to the standard interface set. The mean total exercise completion times of both tested devices were 27% higher than that of the standard interface set. Despite the increase in completion time of the task-oriented exercises, the tested devices were well accepted and considered to be more comfortable than the standard set. • Alternative PACS interface devices can be used as a substitute for the standard mouse-keyboard-recording device set with a potential improvement in work ergonomics and a reduction in work-related musculoskeletal discomfort.

Musculoskeletal Disorders Symptoms among Taiwanese Bakery Workers.

In this study, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was administered to a valid sample of 81 Taiwanese bakery workers to explore their discomfort or symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and identify the risk factors. Wrist postures were also examined during 3 typical dough operations (kneading, rolling, and rounding) by using an electrogoniometer. The prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort in any part of the body in the past year among the respondents was 93.0%, with the highest prevalence of 66.3% and 51.8% in the hands/wrists (right and left), followed by the prevalence of 50.6% and 45.8% in the shoulders (right and left) and the lower back (48.2%), respectively. The results also revealed that during the 3 dough processing operations, the workers’ wrist movements in specific operations were close to the recommended limits suggested in previous studies, especially the ulnar deviation and palm flexion of the right wrist during dough kneading and the radial deviation of the left wrist during dough rolling and rounding. The study findings can be used to explain why the bakers self-report a high proportion of wrist and shoulder disorders and can also serve as a reference for task rearrangement and redesign.

The Impact of Heavy Load Carrying on Musculoskeletal Pain and Disability Among Women in Shinyanga Region, Tanzania.

Background:Heavy load carrying has been associated with musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) and disability. However, there is a lack of research investigating this association in resource-constrained settings where heavy load carrying by women is common.Objective(s):We assessed the impact of heavy load carrying on musculoskeletal pain and disability among women in Shinyanga Region, Tanzania, in an exploratory cross-sectional study.Methods:Eligible participants were a convenience sample of women, at least 18 years of age, who passed a study recruitment site carrying a load. We collected information on load-carrying practices, including frequency and time spent carrying water, wood, agricultural products, coal, sand, or rocks, and measured the weight of the load carried at the time. Outcomes included self-reported MSDs, defined as experiencing pain lasting >3 days in the neck, head, back, knees, feet and/or ankles within the last 1 year, and related disability. Using multivariable logistic regression we assessed for associations between load carrying exposures and MSDs and disability.Findings:Results showed a high prevalence of MSDs across the body regions assessed and evidence to suggest a relationship of back pain and related disability with several measures of load-carrying, including duration, frequency, and weight. Multivariable analyses revealed associations of increased load carrying exposures with low back pain (LBP) and related disability, including statistically significant increases in odds of LBP with increasing weight, total duration of load carrying/week and cumulative loads/week.Conclusions:Findings indicate a substantial burden of MSDs and disability in this population of women who carry heavy loads daily. The extent of discomfort and disability increased with increasing exposure to various load-carrying measures, especially for LBP. Larger epidemiologic studies that definitively assess relationships of load carrying with MSDs and disability are warranted.

Musculoskeletal problems and backpack carriage among students in Nigeria.

The health implication of backpack carriage among school-aged children is a topic of growing research and public health interest. Low weighing backpacks may decrease the risk of musculoskeletal discomforts (MSDs). To investigate MSDs and their association with backpack carriage practices among secondary school students in eastern Nigeria. Across-sectional study of 404 (243 females and 161 males) secondary school students aged thirteen to seventeen who were residents of Enugu State, Nigeria was conducted. The Modified Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was adapted and used to collect information onstudents' demographics, musculoskeletal painand backpack carriage. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were utilized to summarize results. Chi-square test was used to explore the association between MSD prevalence and backpack carriage practices. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Alpha level was kept at 0.05. The average backpack weight carried by the students in this study was 2.49 kg. Shoulder (185, 45.8%), neck (121, 30.0%), upper back (91, 22.6%) and lower back (22, 5.5%) in that order were the body regions most affected by MSDs within the last 12 months. More females than males reported MSDs (60.5% vs 45.2%; x2 = 8.09, p = 0.04). Other students'characteristics and backpack carriage related factors were not associated with MSDs. There is a high prevalence of MSDs among secondary school students in this study but it is not related to backpack carriage. Further research is required to identify the factors responsible for the MSDs, as well as suitable interventions to reduce its impact in this population.

Investigation on musculoskeletal discomfort and ergonomics risk factors among production team members at an automotive component assembly plant

Musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) is very common condition in automotive industry. MSD is affecting the worker’s health, well-being and lower down the productivity. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of MSD and ergonomics risk factors among the production team members at a selected automotive component manufacturer in Malaysia. MSD data were collected by conducting structure interview with all participants by referring to the Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire (CMDQ). Those production team members who achieved a total discomfort score for all body regions more than 100 was selected for job task assessment. The physical exposure risk factors of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) has evaluated by using Quick Exposure Check (QEC) techniques. The results of the study identified the severe MSD associated with production assembly team members. It is expected that the prevalence of MSD for those production assembly team members was lower back (75.4%), upper back (63.2%), right shoulder (61.4%), and right wrist (60%). The QEC analysis discovered that about 70% of job tasks had very high risks for neck posture and 60% had high risks for the back (in moving condition) and shoulder/arm postures. There were 80% of respondents have produced a high score for exposure risk to vibration. As a conclusion, the main implication of the current study is that special attention should be paid to the physical and psychosocial aspects in production team members with musculoskeletal discomfort to improve their safety, health, and well-being, maintain work ability and productivity.