Preliminary Study of Risk Factors of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among University Staffs, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University

Abstract

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to explore the work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and the risk factors associated with WMSDs in university staffs of Chiang Mai Rajabhat University. A total of 198 staffs participated. Data were collected using Standard Nordic questionnaire. Volunteers were the respondents themselves. The results indicated that the staffs had prevalence of severe pain/fatigue at neck,
shoulder, and right arm, followed by the lower back and left shoulder. The risk factors related to pain/fatigue scores were duration operation with computer that offficers working with computers in a long term may be increased to pain/fatigue (p-value = 0.005). Furthermore, academic staffs hada higher risk to shoulders; arms and low back pain than administrative staffs. Laptop users were also had a higher risk to shoulders; arms and low back pain than desktop users. The results of this study provide feedback to employees and collaborators on be aware working posture, work environment administration, ergonomics and health promotion program to reduce the WMSDs and enhance employee productivity.