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Publisher: Peytchinski Publishing Ltd.
ISSN: 1312-773X (Online)
Issue: 2021, vol. 27, issue4
Subject Area: Medicine
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DOI: 10.5272/jimab.2021274.4108
Published online: 18 November 2021
Original article
J of IMAB. 2021 Oct-Dec;27(4):4108-4112
MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AND ASSOCIATED WORKPLACE RISK FACTORS IN HIGHER EDUCATION EMPLOYEES
Gergana Sandeva1
, Violeta Tsvetkova2, Gospodinka Prakova2,
1) Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical Faculty, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.
2) First Department of Internal Diseases and General Medicine, Medical Faculty, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.
ABSTRACT:
Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are caused by a variety of environmental and organizational workplace factors, which makes them some of the most commonly reported work-related health problems in Europe and the world.
Our purpose was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among employees in higher education, as well as the most significant risk factors for their occurrence.
Material/Methods: The survey was conducted among 542 employees of Trakia University, Bulgaria, using questionnaires on symptoms and exposure to the most common occupational risk factors for MSDs. The subjects were grouped and compared by gender, age, years of service and employment position.
Results: 74% of participants reported one or more musculoskeletal complaints, with the most common locations being the lower and upper back, neck, and shoulders. Women had a significantly higher average number of complaints (2.41) than men (1.64), p = 0.000058. A higher percentage of hand/arm MSDs was reported by auxiliary workers, and lower back complaints were more frequently reported by administrative staff, compared to other groups. A positive correlation was found between the number of MSDs and the years of service (r=0.11, p=0.019), but not between MSDs and age. The major reported workplace risk factors for MSDs were working with display screen equipment (55.9% of respondents), frequent, repetitive hand movements (37.46%), and non-ergonomic workstations/arrangements (27.67%).
Conclusions: Prevention of MSDs of occupational origin requires a comprehensive approach involving the identification, assessment and control of a number of ergonomic and organizational factors. Similar studies in other occupational groups would help to better understand and prevent these chronic, painful and often disabling diseases.
Keywords: musculoskeletal disorders, risk factors, higher education,
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Please cite this article as: Sandeva G, Tsvetkova V, Prakova G. Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Workplace Risk Factors in Higher Education Employees. J of IMAB. 2021 Oct-Dec;27(4):4108-4112. DOI: 10.5272/jimab.2021274.4108
Correspondence to: Gergana Nikolaeva Sandeva, Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical Faculty, Trakia University, Stara Zagora; 11, Armeyska Str, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria; E-mail: geri_sandeva@yahoo.com
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Received: 10 May 2021
Published online: 18 November 2021