The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among administrative and service staff of selected hospitals of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and their associated risk factors

Work-related musculoskeletal injuries are among the major causes of staff disablement. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among administrative and service staff of selected hospitals.

This cross-sectional study was performed on 80 hospital administrative and service staff. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was assessed using the Body Map Questionnaire and ergonomic assessment of posture status by REBA and ROSA methods. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 25.

The highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was in the knee area (71.25%) and waist (67.5%), respectively. The results of evaluation by the REBA method showed that the highest number of people were respectively at high-risk ergonomic level (60%), and very high-risk ergonomic level (22.5%). The results of the ROSA method also showed that the highest number of people were at high-risk ergonomic level (77.5%). There was a significant direct relation between ROSA score and pain intensity in the neck and knee areas. There was also a significant direct relation between REBA score and pain intensity in both waist and elbow-forearm regions (P<0.05).

The high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and the high level of morbidity risk make it necessary to take corrective actions. In order to reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, it is suggested that educational programs be arranged for all the administrative and service staff of hospitals.