Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire Research Articles

A Pilot Study Examining The Efficacy Of Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation Programmes For Students With Work-Related Muscular-Skeletal Disorders

Background: Musculoskeletal issues at work have an influence on daily life, productivity, and quality of life. Musculoskeletal issues that go untreated can result in severe damage and function loss, which can limit participation, cause financial loss, and add to the rising burden of illness in the world. Objective: The purpose of this study was to find the effect of occupational therapy rehabilitation program in occupational therapy students with work related musculoskeletal disorder. Study Design:Quasi-experimental, pilot study design was chosen for the research Methods: The study employed a quasi-experimental study design. Thirty occupational therapy students aged 20-25 years were recruited through convenience sampling after a prevalence check where 30 students reported 54 musculoskeletal problems. A total number of participants (n= 30) received occupational therapy rehabilitation program. Standardised Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (SNMQ) and Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) were administered to Pain and work related musculoskeletal disorder for all the participants. Result: It revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in pre-test and post-test with numeric pain rating scale (t=10.625, p=0.000). There was a significant difference in percentage in 7 days component of SNMQ. There was no statistical difference with post-test of score of 12 months component of SNMQ. Conclusion: Occupational therapy rehabilitation program is effective for reducing Musculoskeletal disorder or discomfort in occupational therapy students.

Screening of musculoskeletal disorders and levels of depression in transgender people of Multan

Objective: To perceive transgender health issues by evaluating their susceptibility to musculoskeletal problems and depression. Method: The cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted from January to April 2023at the Government Girls Comprehensive Higher Secondary School, Multan, Pakistan, a school for transgenders, and comprised subjects aged 18-40 years. Body mass index was calculated for each subject, and further data was collected using the Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory and Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. Results: Of the 44 subjects, 26(59%) were transgender females and 18(41%) were transgender males. The overall mean age was 25.06±1.53. There were 17(39%) subjects who had received education, and 27(61%) were illiterate. Mean depression score was 24.7±11.5, and mean body mass index was 22.9±3.16. Mean pain intensity was 5.81±2.04. Correlation analysis revealed a complex relationship among age, gender, education, occupation and health variables (p<0.01). Conclusion: Musculoskeletal disorders and the level of depression were high and correlated with the occupation of transgender individuals. Key Words: Transgender persons, Musculoskeletal disorders, Social isolation, Depression.

ASSESSMENT OF PREVALENCE AND IMPACTS OF WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG NURSES AT INTERMEDIATE HOSPITALS IN NAMIBIA

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) have been ranked as the major cause of disability globally. Namibian intermediate hospital (IH) nurses are overworked and susceptible to musculoskeletal diseases. The study aimed to determine the 12-month prevalence, and impacts of WRMSDs among nurses at IHs Katutura, Onandjokwe, Oshakati, and Rundu in Namibia. Methods: A self-administered Standardised Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument for a cross-sectional study involving 808 randomly selected nurses at IHs Katutura, Onandjokwe, Oshakati, and Rundu. SPSS version 26 was used for descriptive statistical analysis. Results: Results revealed a high 12-month prevalence of WRMSDs in any body part (76%), (73%), (69%), and (65%) at IHs Katutura, Oshakati, Rundu, and Onandjokwe, respectively. The lower back was the most prevalent body part affected by the 12-month WRMSDs (74%), (72%), (71%), and (69%) at IHs Katutura, Onandjokwe, Rundu, and Oshakati, respectively. The WRMSDs are impacting nurses’ work and daily lives. There is unnecessary money spent on medical consultations, and nurses might contribute poorly to the hospital’s output since they have to pursue medical attention instead of attending to patients. Conclusion: WRMSDs are prevalent and impacting nurses' lives at IHs. Collaborative efforts between healthcare institutions, policymakers, and professional bodies are essential to creating a supportive workplace culture that prioritizes nurses' physical and psychosocial well-being and mitigates the effects of WRMSDs. Further research needs to be conducted to determine risk factors contributing to WRMSDs among nurses at IHs in Namibia.

Impact of Remedial Exercise Training on Work-Related Musculoskeletal Morbidity Among Handloom Weavers in Kanchipuram District: A Quasi-experimental Study.

The handloom weaving industry is integral to developing countries, especially in South Asia, where traditional techniques are still widely practiced. In India, the handloom sector is a significant part of the informal economy, employing millions and preserving rich cultural heritage. Despite its economic and cultural importance, the sector faces severe challenges, including poor working conditions that lead to a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study focuses on assessing the prevalence of musculoskeletal morbidity and the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions in reducing WMSDs among handloom weavers in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. This quasi-experimental study utilized a pre- and post-test design conducted over 12 months. A total of 121 handloom weavers from four major cooperative societies in Kanchipuram were selected using multistage sampling. Inclusion criteria were adults over 18 years, full-time weavers with more than a year of experience, and those who consented to participate. The study involved initial data collection through interviews using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to assess pain prevalence. The intervention phase included physiotherapy exercise training thrice a week for three months, followed by post-intervention data collection and analysis. Pre-intervention data indicated high prevalence rates of musculoskeletal pain, with 62% of participants reporting knee pain and 54.5% reporting ankle/foot pain over the past year. Post-intervention assessments showed significant reductions in pain across all body parts, with the most substantial decreases in knee and shoulder pain. For instance, knee pain scores decreased from 3.10 ± 2.61 to 1.81 ± 1.69. The overall mean pain rating significantly dropped from 1.72 ± 0.88 pre-intervention to 1.00 ± 0.50 post-intervention, demonstrating the effectiveness of the physiotherapy exercises. The study confirms the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among handloom weavers and demonstrates the significant impact of physiotherapy interventions in alleviating pain. Implementing regular physiotherapy exercises can substantially improve the well-being and productivity of handloom weavers, ensuring the sustainability of this vital cultural and economic industry. The results advocate for policy changes and increased support for ergonomic and health interventions in the handloom sector.

Cross-cultural comparison of low back pain in the nursing workforce: A pilot study.

This study aimed to analyse cross-cultural differences in the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and other back pain of general nurses in direct inpatient care in the Czech Republic (CZ) and Great Britain (GB). The survey was used using an extended standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and self-created additional questions. The data were analysed with Stata 15 using a significance level of 0.05. The data analysis was based on 1043 questionnaires. We identified statistically significant differences in the LBP prevalence between the respondents (CZ 93% and GB 85%) over a period of 12 months. Nurses in both countries stated a higher prevalence of LBP compared to pain in the neck, shoulders or upper back. LBP increases in relation to age, length of work experience, body mass index (BMI) and university education (BSc). Age, length of work experience, BMI and education (nursing college and master's degree) were confirmed as significant risks contributing to the increased prevalence of other back pain as well. Respondents reported a reduction in work performance, leisure activities and the need to change profession in relation to LBP. The results of the study confirm that LBP is a frequent occupational health issue in the general nurses working in direct inpatient care in both countries.

Ergonomic benefit using heads-up display compared to conventional surgical microscope in Japanese ophthalmologists.

Occupational musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent in ophthalmic surgeons and can impact surgeons' well-being and productivity. Heads-up displays may reduce ergonomic stress compared to conventional microscopes. This cross-sectional, non-interventional study compared ergonomic experience between heads-up display and conventional ocular microscopes. The study protocol was approved by the independent ethics committee and nonprofit organization MINS Institutional Review Board. An online questionnaire was distributed to a sample of ophthalmic surgeons in Japan with experience operating with heads-up display. The questionnaire captured surgeon-specific variables, the standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and custom questions to compare heads-up display and conventional microscope and understand long-term impacts of musculoskeletal disorders. Analysis was conducted on responses from 67 surgeons with a mean 25 years of practice and 2.7 years using heads-up display. Many surgeons agreed or strongly agreed that heads-up display reduced the severity (40%) and frequency (40%) of pain and discomfort, improved posture (61%), and improved overall comfort (61%). Of respondents who experienced asthenopia (n = 59) or pain/discomfort during operation (n = 61), 54% reported improvement in asthenopia and 72% reported feeling less pain/discomfort since using heads-up display. Overall, 69% reported preference for heads-up display. This study provides novel data on musculoskeletal disorders and the long-term impacts of ergonomic strain reported by ophthalmologists building on existing literature demonstrating ergonomic and other advantages of heads-up display. Future studies with objective ergonomic assessment are warranted to validate these findings.

Assessment and evaluation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nuclear medicine professionals in India: A cross-sectional study.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a severe occupational health issue among medical radiation practitioners. It is mostly linked to personal protective wear, working posture, tools employed and ergonomics. To assess and evaluate the musculoskeletal disorders among nuclear medicine professionals (NMP) in India. An online survey was distributed to 455 NMP throughout India between November 2021 and March 2022 covering the demographic characteristics and questions for evaluation of musculoskeletal symptoms using the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Participants with any pre-existing musculoskeletal disorder or trauma were excluded. Descriptive statistics summarized the data from the demographics, discomfort, aches and work-related musculoskeletal injuries. Chi-square test was used to examine the association between the obtained values. 91 out of 124 respondents were included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results shows that there is a significant association between the height of the individual and neck pain, body mass index and elbows pain, age and low back pain, experience in the current work and upper back pain, the weight of the individual and knee pain, use of mobile lead screens and shoulder pain, use of gonad shield, trouble in the ankles and use of lead screens, and QC phantoms for gamma camera / PET and wrists/hands pain. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among NMP are resulting from factors of individual demographic variables (such as age, height, weight, body mass index), years of experience at the current workplace and of using instruments in their work area.

The prevalence and risk factors of lower back pain among healthcare workers in Iraq: A cross sectional study

Background. Globally, the LBP prevalence among the general population varies from 15-45%. Work-related LBP is estimated to cause 818,000 disability-adjusted life years lost (DALYs) annually. Aim of study. To determine the prevalence and factors associated with LBP among Iraqi Healthcare workers. Methodology. This is a cross-sectional study that included 220 participants and was conducted at Baghdad during the period from 5/7/2023 to 25/11/2023. Lower back pain was assessed using an Arabic version of the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Results. The life, annual, and weekly prevalence of LBP were 92.7%, 90.9%, and 58.2%, respectively. A statistically significant associated was detected between weekly prevalence of LBP and each of female gender, long working hours, BMI, and occupation. Conclusion. LBP is a highly prevalent condition among Iraqi HCWs and it caused considerable reduction to the quality of life and work performance. Risk factors for weekly prevalence were female gender, longer working hours, obesity, and working as a dentist.

Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in Ethiopia: Evidence from a workplace cross-sectional study.

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.

Association of ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders among school teachers

Objective: To find the association between ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among school teachers. Methods: 40 subjects were selected for the study, to assess the prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) with the standardized Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) and evaluate for ergonomics in class and while working on computers/smart phones, and awareness of the same was noted with the help of checklists and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Rapid Upper limb Assessment (RULA) tools. Results: REBA scores revealed that majorly, teachers were at medium risk levels of getting MSDs, with 72.72% of primary teachers, and 75.86% of secondary teachers for tasks performed, whereas RULA scores concluded that 48.27% of secondary teachers and 45.45% of primary teachers were in the medium risk level of getting MSDs. Conclusions: The research revealed an association between ergonomics and the prevalence of MSDs in school teachers, and demonstrated the sites involved in the MSDs.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, AND STRESS WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS AMONG SELECT GROUP OF FILIPINO PHYSICAL THERAPY STUDENTS

Introduction: Studies that suggested a link between depression, anxiety, stress (DAS) and musculoskeletal symptoms (MSKS) were limited to those conducted prior to the pandemic. This study was conducted during blended learning and determined the prevalence of DAS and MSKS among undergraduate physical therapy students (UPTS), the influence of sex and year level to the severity of DAS and MSKS, and the correlation between DAS and MSKS. Methods: This online cross-sectional survey collected information about the sex and year level of the respondents, and used Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (SNMQ) to determine the level of DAS and the number of MSKS, respectively. Non-proportional, consecutive sampling was used to recruit enrolled regular UPTS from participating schools in Region IV-A. Data analyses were done using descriptive and inferential statistics, with alpha set at 0.05. Results: Of the 249 respondents consisting of primarily female and third-year students, 65.29%, 68.45%, and 69.62% have reported DAS, respectively. Anxiety (r=0.30) and stress (r=0.29) have statistically significant weak positive correlation with MSKS. DASS-21 and SNMQ scores were not affected by the sex and year level of the respondents. Discussion: DAS is prevalent in the selected group of UPTS in Region IV-A. The researchers were unable to establish a strong link between DAS and MSKS. This might have been primarily due to sampling bias introduced by the sampling method employed and the limited number of participating schools. The researchers recommend the use of randomized sampling, subgroup analysis, and involving more schools to verify the results obtained in this study.

Self-reported musculoskeletal disorder symptoms and associated factors among water carrying women in Legambo district, Northeastern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study design.

Musculoskeletal disorders are the leading cause of illness, disability, and poor quality of life. Lack of access to potable water in the backyard forces women to take water from off-plot sources every day, which may expose them to various health risks. However, there has been little investigation on the musculoskeletal disorders' health effects on water-carrying women. This study aimed to assess musculoskeletal disorders symptoms and associated factors among water-carrying women in the Legambo district, Northeastern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was done with 618 water-carrying women chosen using simple random and systematic random sampling techniques. The data were collected using face-to-face interviews with the standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Data entry were carried out using Epi-data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25.0 for analysis. A binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with self-reported musculoskeletal disorder symptoms at a 95% confidence interval (CI). In the multivariate model, variables with a p-value ≤0.05 and a 95% CI were declared as factors of self-reported musculoskeletal disorder symptoms. The model's fitness was assessed using Hosmer and Lemeshow, and it was found to be fit. The prevalence of self-reported MSD symptoms was 72.5% during the previous 12 months. MSD symptoms were significantly elevated among women who carried water from a distance of 501-1,000 m [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 5.39, 95% CI = 3.64-9.69] and >1,000 m (5.93, 2.84-12.40), carried a water load of >15 kg during pregnancy (8.29, 2.97-23.09), and carried a water load of >15 kg when not pregnant (1.59, 1.44-2.68). Three-fourths of the participants had self-reported musculoskeletal disorder symptoms in the past 12 months. Distance of water sources from their house, carrying the same amount of water during pregnancy, and weight of the water load carrying were factors associated with the self-reported musculoskeletal disorder symptoms. Hence, health professionals should raise awareness of the association between carrying high water loads and the development of MSDs, especially during pregnancy. Improvement in water supply infrastructure and enhancing behavioral intervention should be done. Furthermore, Future researchers should assess MSDs using objective measurements and cohort studies should be implemented.

Sociodemographic and Workplace Determinants of Quality of Life (Qol) Among Quarry Workers in Nigeria: A Cross Sectional Study

By engaging in one form of works, people earn means of support, establish their identities, perceive life as meaningful and establish social network with others. The quality of life is a product of several factors inherent in the work environment. Quality of life is an important topic in every organization as it determines the future of the organization. This study assessed the sociodemographic and workplace determinants of Quality of life (Qol) among quarry workers in Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among the respondents. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires consisting of socio-demographic characteristics, Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and World Health Organization Quality of life BREF questionnaires (WHOQOL-BREF). A total of 266 quarry workers involved in this study were selected through systematic random sampling technique. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Simple and multiple logistic regression were used to identify the determinants of quality of life among the respondents. The result showed that majority of the respondents (74.1%) had poor quality of life with variation across four domains of physical, environmental, socio relationship and psychological. Following multiple logistic regression modeling, WRMSDs (ORadj 4.24, 95% CI [1.84, 9.77], p-value = .001) and the poor work design (ORadj 3.22, 95% CI [1.52, 6.82], p-value = .002) remained significant determinants of Qol. This study showed poor quality of life among quarry workers in Ebonyi state, Nigeria. Those with WRMSDs and had poor work design were more likely to have poor quality of life compared to those who had no WRMSDs and work in well-designed workplace.

Prevalence and Pattern of Musculoskeletal Disorder in Panteka Mechanic Village, Kaduna

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are illnesses that make working people disabled and generate significant economic loss worldwide. Automobile mechanics are at risk of injury at the onset of MSDs due to repetitive tasks, uncomfortable posture, and heavy lifting of objects. The frequency and pattern of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among auto mechanics in Panteka Village, Kaduna State, are investigated in this study. Using a version of the standard Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire, a quatitative method was used to gather data on the prevalence pattern of musculoskeletal illnesses at Panteka Village. To analyze the data obtained, purposive sampling method was employed. The study found that there was a high prevalence of MSDs among auto mechanics in Panteka village, with rates of 90% (Neck), 92.3% (shoulder), 56.4% (knee) and over 70% prevalence of MSD for lower and upper back. The results of relationship between age of respondents, years spent as a mechanic and prevalence of the musculoskeletal disorders showed no significant relationship. However, there was a significant relationship between the respondent's section of mechanic activities ie the nature of their job and MSD. These are primarily the result of poor ergonomics and insufficient rest periods at their workshop. Also, manual handling of heavy loads, repetitive tasks and force exertion were the identified factors. Ergonomic and MSD awareness among workers should be increased through training. In addition, govermnents should investigate more in other to reduce or eliminate risk factors leading to musculoskeletal disorders. Members of the Panteka village committee can use the research's findings to enhance the working environment for mechanics. Therefore, Mechanics will need to be educated more on risk factors associated with MSDs.

Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among cashiers in small-scale businesses: a cross-sectional study in Ethiopia

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders among cashiers in small-scale businesses in Northwestern Ethiopia.DesignA multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted from July to...

Prevalence and impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among food delivery riders in Eastern Peninsular Malaysia

Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are currently a matter of concern in the occupational world, where it is the leading cause of disability among workers. Food delivery riders were among the neglected workers even though they were highly exposed to the WMSDs. Thus, this study aims to quantify the magnitude of WMSDs among the riders and the impact on their work. This was a cross-sectional study involving 191 food delivery riders in Eastern Peninsular Malaysia. The Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (M-SNMQ), which was self-administered and validated for Malay translation, was used to quantify the prevalence of WMSDS based on various specific body regions. WMSD prevalence over a 12-month period was 74.9%. Upper back pain (UBP) (55.6%) and lower back pain (LBP) (73.3%) were the two most common body regions to experience WMSD symptoms. The least-complained body regions were thighs and feet, with a prevalence of 2.6% and 3.1%, respectively. The affected body regions that caused the highest daily life disturbance were the shoulders and knees, while those with shoulders symptom were more likely to be absent from work. Finally, LBP was the highest body region with at least a moderate pain score. In general, the findings should be a matter of concern among health authorities and others to improve the quality of life among the riders. To lower the prevalence of WMSDs among this understudied group, additional interventional research should be built on the findings of this study.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG HEALTH SCIENCES UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN SELANGOR

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries or pain that affect the human locomotor system and may affect everyone at least once in a lifetime. The accompanying chronicity, pain and disability are usually associated with mental health impairment. This study was carried out to examine the prevalence of MSDs and its relationship with psychological distress among undergraduate students from several health sciences programs. A set of self-administered questionnaires consisting of the Standardised Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was given out to 330 undergraduate students of a public university in Malaysia. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis on the relationship between MSDs and psychological distress (depression, stress, and anxiety). The prevalence of MSDs during the past 12 months was found to be high (86.6%), with lower back pain being the most common symptom (63.3%), followed by neck pain (53.6%) and shoulder pain (50.6%). Half of the students (57.0%) reported depression, 37.3% reported anxiety, and 28.2% reported stress. The occurrence of MSDs in the regions of the shoulder, and hips or thighs or buttock regions have significant positive relationship with stress and anxiety scores of the students (p &lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, the occurrence of MSDs in the region of the wrists or hands, knees, and shoulders have significant positive relationship with the depression score (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, MSDs in the shoulder, hips or thighs or buttock regions wrists or hands, and knees regions were significantly associated with psychological distress. Further intervention programs should be implemented to reduce psychological distress associated with MSDs among the students.

The association between physical activity and musculoskeletal disorders-a cross-sectional study of teachers.

Combined with insufficient physical activity (PA) prolonged and improperly performed sedentary work can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The aim of this study was (I) to evaluate the self-reported level of PA and the prevalence of MSDs in male and female teachers, and (II) to investigate the association between PA and MSDs in teachers in Polish primary and secondary schools. The study included 254 teachers from primary and secondary schools from Upper Silesia, Poland, excluding physical education teachers. The level of PA was assessed using the Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall (SDPAR). A standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to assess the prevalence of MSDs. A similar percentage of female (80%) and male (90%) teachers met the WHO recommendations on moderate-intensity PA. The recommendations on performing vigorous-intensity PA were met by significantly (p = 0.002) less female than male teachers (50% and 75% respectively). Lower back disorders during the last 12 months and the last 7 days (57% and 45%, respectively) were the most commonly reported MSDs by teachers, followed by neck (53%, 40%), upper back (39%, 28%), and knee disorders (37%, 26%). The highest pain intensity was experienced by the teachers in the lower back and neck. Teachers with a greater number of MSDs were less likely to engage in vigorous-intensity PA and total PA than those with fewer painful areas of the body. Pain intensity in the neck, knees, upper- and lower back, and wrists/hands was negatively related to moderate and total PA. BMI negatively correlated with total PA, moderate-intensity PA vigorous-intensity PA, and high vigorous-intensity PA. The study revealed the association between PA and MSDs in studied teachers. The most of the studied teachers met the WHO recommendation, and women were less likely to perform vigorous and high-vigorous PA than men. The lower back and neck disorders were the most common among the teachers.

The Relationship between Job Stress and Musculoskeletal Disorders among Midwives

Job stresses can increase the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in midwifery job, and reduce the efficiency and quality of their services. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of MSDs among midwives and to examine the relationship between job stress and the prevalence of MSDs in different regions their body. This was descriptiveanalytical and cross-sectional study. The study population included all midwives working in public and private hospitals of Kerman in 2019. According to the research community, 74 midwives were selected as a sample of research, by Census method. For data collection, Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and Altmeyer job stress questionnaire were used. The data were analyzed with descriptive and analytical statistics (Pearson correlation, t-test and Chi square test) methods by SPSS 16 software. In this study 78.4 % of subjects had experienced discomfort or pain in the past 12 months at least in one body part. The most frequent symptoms of MSDs were observed in the three parts of body, feet with a frequency of 39.2% (29 persons), and knees and back each one 35.1% (26 persons). Also in this study, the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and job stress was dignificant (P&lt;0.05). According to the result of this research, it can be concluded that job stresses can presumably intensify physical side effects including musculoskeletal disorders. Also, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in midwives under studied was high. Therefore, holding training courses about standard body postures while doing job tasks and avoiding inappropriate body posture will be important.

A Cross Sectional Study Among Information Technology Professionals of Vishakhapattanam City to Study the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Work Related Disorders

Abstract Background: The Information technology has revolutionized many changes throughout the society, and also in bringing up the economic growth of the country.IT professionals are prone to various job-related complaints and symptoms which can be reduced or eliminated by using proper ergonomics. The present study was carried out to study the prevalence of Musculoskeletal disorders among the Information technology (IT) professionals and to determine the factors associated with musculoskeletal problems. Objectives:1.To study the prevalence of Musculoskeletal disorders among the Information Technology (IT) professionals. 2. To determine the factors associated with Musculoskeletal disorders among IT Professionals. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done among 400 Information technology professionals of selected IT companies of Visakhapatnam city using multistage sampling technique. Structured Interview schedule was taken to collect socio-demographic, personal and working details of employees. Standardised Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to assess the work-related musculoskeletal symptoms in relation to various body regions during last 12 months and last 1 week. Results:The overall musculoskeletal disorders among IT professionals was 74% of which lower back (56.7%) is the most common body region affected in the last 12 months followed by neck (43%), shoulder (28.2%), wrist/hand (8.5%), elbow (5.7%), knee (4%) and ankle (3.7%). Conclusions: The study concludes that, prevalence of work-related health problems among IT professionals are of concern. Work related musculoskeletal problems were widely reported and it was observed that, individuals who have regular physical activity are less prone to Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD).