Research Paper: Assessing the factors predicting work- related musculoskeletal disorders among Iranian port's personnel using regression model

Abstract

Objectives: Nowadays, ports are considered a portal for business as well as the main infrastructure for economic development worldwide. Genetic predisposition, work activity and procedures, and psychosocial preparedness are the main factors responsible for the occurrence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs). The present study aimed to assess psychosocial variables affecting WMSDs in an Iranian port in 2015. Methods: All workers of a port (n=60) located in the south of Iran were included in the present study. Job burnout and safety climate were assessed by MBI and SCQ, respectively. In addition, musculoskeletal disorders were reported by body map questionnaire. Data analysis was performed by ANOVA, logistic regression analysis, Pearson correlation, and t-test using SPSS V20. Results: Based on the obtained data, 40 workers (66.7%) experienced musculoskeletal pain in at least one part of their bodies in the previous year. Also, job burnout score was 76.17±8.9 and safety climate was 188.7±23.07. Logistic regression revealed that job burnout, emotional fatigue (P < 0.05), safety attitude, and emergency management are the most important predictors of WRMSDs. Discussion: Psychological factors of workplaces include job burnout, employees' attitude and safety climate that negatively affect ergonomic disorders. Since psychological and psychosocial issues are neglected in developing countries such as Iran, the researchers anticipate that the obtained results can be used as a guideline for policymakers as well as in the supportive and preventive arena for managing safety and health issues.