IMPACT OF OCCUPATIONAL STRESS ON MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDER AMONG OFFICE WORKERS

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the impact of occupational stress on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among office workers, focusing on the prevalence, severity and associated risk factors.

Study Design: It was an observational cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was done by collecting data from different banks, clinics, hospitals, institute of Sialkot Faculty computer IT departments of University of Sialkot. The study was completed within 6 months after the approval from research committee.

Materials and Methods:  An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 405 office workers aged 20–50 years in Sialkot. Participants were selected using non-probability convenient sampling from various clinics, hospitals, banks and institutes. Inclusion criteria included full-time desk-based work for at least six months with a minimum of six working hours per day. Data were collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (DMQ) to assess musculoskeletal discomfort and occupational stress. Validity and reliability of the tools were established through content, construct and criterion validation as well as test-retest and internal consistency analyses. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 26.0 with Pearson correlation applied to examine associations between MSD variables and occupational stress factors.

Result: Of n = 405 participants (mean age 32.4 years), 181 (45%) were male and 224 (55%) female. Neck discomfort in the past 12 months was reported by 197 (48.6%), with 259 (64%) having limited movement. Shoulder pain affected 204 (50.4%)—right in 92 (23%), left in 61 (15%), and both in 102 (25%). Elbow discomfort was noted in 117 (28.9%), mainly right-sided (103, 25.4%). Wrist and upper back discomfort were reported by 207 (51.1%) each, while lower back pain was highest at 237 (58.5%). Thigh discomfort affected 184 (45.4%), knee 134 (33.1%), and ankle 163 (40.2%). Regarding work, 216 (53.3%) had <5 years of experience, 166 (40.1%) 6–15 years, and 23 (5.7%) >25 years. Part-time or casual jobs were common (237, 58.5%). Nearly half worked >8 hours daily, with many engaged in physical labor (50.6%) and repetitive tasks (63%). Trunk twisting was reported by 210 (51.9%), heavy lifting 169 (41.7%), static postures 206 (50.9%), and working with arms overhead 231 (57%). Exposure to extreme temperatures or wet clothes was noted by 190–244 (46.9–60.2%). Pearson correlation showed significant links: neck with ORF5 (p=0.048), shoulder with ERF8 (p=0.001), elbow with ERF6 (p=0.02), wrist with ERF6 (p=0.001), upper back with ERF3 (p=0.001), thigh with ERF3 (p=0.013), ankle with ERF2 (p=0.024), and thigh at 7 days with ORF9 (p=0.009).

Conclusion: This study shows that there is a significant correlation between occupational factors, such as repetitive tasks, prolonged working hours   and physical labor, with musculoskeletal discomfort in various body regions, including neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, upper back, lower back, thighs, knees, and ankles. These findings indicate that certain work-related activities increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, emphasizing the need for ergonomic interventions and preventive measures in the workplace.