Publication:

Assessment of musculoskeletal problems among desk job employees of a tertiary care hospital in Goa

Background Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a leading cause of disability and the most frequent cause of all health-related absence from work. There is lack of information about MSDs among desk job employees.

Methods A cross sectional study, carried out among desk job employees engaged in administrative work at a tertiary care hospital in Goa involved, data collection on MSDs using Standardised Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and workstation ergonomics assessment using NIH (National Institute of Health) checklist.

Results Among 110 respondents, 50 males and 60 females, majority (42.7%) were from age group 31-40 years. As per the NMQ, one-year prevalence of MSDs was highest in lower back (55.5%), followed by neck (48.2%); and the lowest in ankles (4.5%). Regular postural breaks were not taken by 59 (53.6%) of the total participants, of which 41(37.3%) complained of at least one MSD and the association was statistically significant (p=0.001). On ergonomic assessment, 62 (56.4%) had chairs with poor lower back support, of which 44 (40%) complained of lower backache; 20 (18.2%) were uncomfortable during keyboard use and 18 (16.4%) with desk setup. Of the 40 participants with continuous computer use for 4-5 hours, 27 complained of neck pain and there was a significant association found between continuous computer use and neck pain (p=0.003).

Conclusions Based on the findings, ergonomic training workshops should be conducted, and the workstation design needs to be improved to reduce the burden of work-related MSDs.