Volume 28, Issue 154, December 2024

Prevalence of work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders and associated factors among faculty members of the College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Ibrahim Saeed Aljulaymi

Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among faculty members of CAMS at Taif University, Saudi Arabia (SA). Methods: A cross-sectional study occurred from November 19 and December 1, 2024. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 43 faculty members in total. Upon obtaining the participants’ informed consent, they completed the survey, which had three sections: The first section was about personal characteristics; the second section was about physical activity using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire; and the third section was about the prevalence of WRMSDs and workplace factors using a self-administrated questionnaire. Results: This study involved 43 participants (out of 79), with a slightly higher male (22; 51.2%) to female (21; 48.8%) ratio. The overall prevalence of WRMSDs among faculty members was 54.4%. The highest prevalence of WRMSDs among the participants was lower back (30.2%), followed by upper back (14%), neck and shoulder (5%), knee and ankle/foot (5%), and wrist/hand (4%). Shoulder WRMSD among faculty members was associated with the duration of keyboard, computer and laptop while wrist/hand complains were only associated with the duration of computer use. Conclusion: The study found that over half of the participants were affected by WRMSDs. This information can aid universities and decision-makers in creating specific interventions and support programs to improve the occupational health of faculty members, redesign the workplace, and modify the working conditions. As a result, this study could lead to considerable enhancement in the health and well-being of faculty members.

Keywords: Computer use, faculty members, prevalence, work-related musculoskeletal disorders

Medical Science, 2024, 28, e153ms3494

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v28i154.e153ms3494

Published: 21 December 2024