Common pain sites, prevalence and predictors of work-related musculoskeletal pain among Indian information technology professionals: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders represent the most common type of work-related health issues in modern society, posing a significant burden on both employers and employees. Objectives: The primary objectives of this review were to estimate the pooled prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal pain, identify common body sites of pain, and assess the predictors of the same in Indian IT professionals. Methods: We adhered to the PRISMA guidelines in reporting, and data extraction occurred in February and March 2025 using the EMBASE, SCOPUS, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. The pooled prevalence was estimated at a 95% CI, assuming potential heterogeneity. Results: Out of 707 identified articles, 20 articles were included for the review. The total sample across the twenty included studies was 15,709, with a median of 350 (IQR: 149–575). The overall pooled prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal pain was 66% (95% CI: 56–75), with I²=99.16. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain based on common body sites was estimated as follows: Lower back [55 (95% CI: 46–63)], Neck [50 (95% CI: 41–58)], Shoulder [34 (95% CI: 26–42)], Upper back [37 (95% CI: 20–57)], and Wrist/Hand/Fingers [37 (95% CI: 23–52)]. The study identified several predictors grouped into socio-demographic, occupational, ergonomic, behavioural, lifestyle, as well as psychological and cultural factors. Conclusion: This study estimated a high burden of WMSD among Indian IT professionals with considerable variations across cities, body sites, pandemic phases, and based on study instruments. The pooled estimate should be interpreted cautiously, given the substantial heterogeneity.