Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among employees with different tasks: an Ahlia University case study

Abstract

Introduction. The study aim was to investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and to determine the relationship between work-related MSDs and body mass index (BMI) among employees of Ahlia University, Kingdom of Bahrain. Methods. Overall, 200 subjects, both men and women, aged 22–56 years, were included in the study over a period of 1 year. Demographic data, such as age, nationality, gender, marital status, occupation, as well as height, weight, and BMI were collected. All participants filled in the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Results. The study revealed that low back pain had the highest prevalence at both 12 months and 7 days (44.5% and 31.5%, respectively). It was followed by neck pain (40% and 23.5%, respectively) in the same time intervals. The work-related MSDs were correlated with all demographic characteristics, except the nationality. despite that BMI presented a negative correlation with neck, wrist/hand, and knee symptoms, it showed a positive correlation with MSDs in other body parts, but all those correlations were insignificant. Conclusions. Workplace influenced work-related MSDs development among Ahlia University employees. Low back pain and neck pain exhibited the highest prevalence among MSDs of particular body parts. Work-related MSDs were significantly correlated with occupation, number of years in the job, and age, while no significant correlation with BMI was observed.