Risk factors for upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among office workers in Qom province, Iran

Abstract EN

Background : The identification of the risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is the first step in designing effective preventive interventions.

Objectives : To investigate the association between individual, organizational, physical, and psychological factors and upper extremity MSDs (i.e., shoulder, elbow and hand/wrist).

Materials and Methods : In this cross-sectional study, the study population was comprised of office workers from Qom Province, Iran.

Of the 1630 Iranian office workerswhowere selected via a random multistage cluster sampling method, 1488 completed a comprehensive data collection form designed to investigate the individual, organizational, physical, and psychological factors related to MSDs (response rate: 91.3 %).

Results : The predictors of shoulder MSDs in the past 12 months were uncomfortable sitting posture (_ = 0.42, P = 0.04), limited rest breaks (_=0.73, P = 0.012), and no access to adjustable desks (_ = 0.43, P = 0.018).

Working on a computer for more than five hours (_ = 0.61, P = 0.004) and an uncomfortable sitting posture (_ = 0.79, P = 0.001) predicted hand/wrist symptoms.

Conclusions : Various risk factors in the workplace may contribute to MSDs in different upper extremities.

Preventive interventions should hence include ergonomic and office equipment modifications.