Landscaping Work: Work-related Musculoskeletal Problems and Ergonomic Risk Factors

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences non-academic workers: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders most commonly contribute to years lived with disability among workers. Heavy physical work, static work posture, awkward posture, force exertion, lifting and repetitive movements increase the risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among non-academic workers at the University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Non-academic workers included security personnel, catering staff, drivers, library staff, clerical staff, technicians and janitorial staff.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The study used a cross-sectional analytical design. One hundred and eight non-academic workers at the University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences were sampled through proportional stratified sampling in January 2021. An adapted Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire capturing socio-demographics and ergonomic risk factors was used to gather data. SPSS v24 was used for data analysis including frequencies, tests of association and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

One hundred non-academic workers from the University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences responded. The 3-month and 12-month prevalences of work-related musculoskeletal disorders were highest in the lower back (n = 72, 72% and n = 75, 75%) and wrists/hands (n = 60, 60% and n = 69, 69%) respectively. Sociodemographic factors such as age (p = 0.002), gender (p < 0.001), educational level (p = 0.008) and worker category (p < 0.001) were associated with increased work-related musculoskeletal disorders, while work experience (p = 0.002) was associated with a decreased prevalence of back pain and discomfort. Females (AOR = 55.90; 95% CI [3.84, 814.54]), security personnel (AOR = 39.53, 95% CI [1.57, 996.00]), catering staff (AOR = 91.3295% CI [2.24, 3724.78]) and those who attained bachelor's degrees (AOR = 73.25, 95% CI [1.46, 3682.39]), higher national diplomas (AOR = 93.49, 95% CI [1.28, 6848.04]) and national diplomas (AOR = 52.22; 95% CI [1.09, 2510.73]) had higher odds of experiencing WMSDs. Increased working experience was protective against experiencing lower back pain (AOR = 0.84; 95% CI [0.74, 0.95]).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was high among the participants. This was influenced by the nature of work as well as cultural factors.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Occupational therapists and physiotherapists need to design focused ameliorative and health promotive interventions targeting at-risk populations in universities. Employers should consider developing wellness programs for workers and promoting healthy working environments.

Musculoskeletal Pains among Phlebotomists in Outpatient Clinics: Prevalence and Association with Personal Factors and Ergonomic Analysis of the Workstation

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems reported by phlebotomists, and the association of these problems with workstation characteristics and personal factors.

METHODS

Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to phlebotomists (n = 115; 65.2% response rate). In addition to the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, we asked respondents to provide sociodemographic data. An ergonomic score was used for the characterization of workstations.

RESULTS

Symptoms in at least 1 body area within a year were reported by 80.7% of the participants. The lower back, neck, and shoulders were the most common areas in which symptoms occurred (72.7%, 60.9%, and 59%, respectively); these were also the areas with the highest incidence of symptoms disrupting work. A logistic regression model for predicting pain within a year found adequate leg space as a significant component of the ergonomic score (P = .045, OR = 0.222), which was also a protective factor for neck pain disrupting work (P = .047, OR = 0.385).

CONCLUSIONS

Musculoskeletal problems among phlebotomists were high. Therefore, the positive effects of simple ergonomic measures should be confirmed in further research.

Prevalence of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders and its associated risk factors among janitorial workers: A cross-sectional study

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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WRMSDs is one of the causes of disability globally with significant economic impact.

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The prevalence of WRMSDs among janitorial workers in university setting is scarce.

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Regular screening is essential for monitoring the progress of severity of musculoskeletal symptoms.

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WRMSDs surveillance will be beneficial for improvement of work procedures and practices.