1
|
Wolf L, Maier P, Deibert P, Schmal H, Kubosch EJ. Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Musculoskeletal Complaints and Psychological Well-Being of Employees in Public Services-A Cohort Study. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1478. [PMID: 37888089 PMCID: PMC10608108 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13101478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unprecedented restrictions on public and private life. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical and mental health of employees in the public sector, especially patient-related professions. METHODS For the data collection in summer 2021, an online questionnaire was used. Compared to a pre-pandemic point of time, the prevalence, frequency, and intensity of musculoskeletal pain, mental well-being, health status, and quality of life were recorded. RESULTS The questionnaire was completed by 1678 employees (f: 1045, m: 617). A total of 1504 employees (89.6%) were affected by complaints. Compared to before the pandemic, the prevalence and intensity of musculoskeletal complaints and psychological distress increased significantly. Patient-related professions (n = 204) showed significantly higher levels of stress and discomfort in several aspects (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in musculoskeletal complaints and a decrease in psychological well-being. Preventive factors related to mental health were identified as male gender, a middle- to older-age group, employees with children, and working from home. Attention should be drawn to these findings and prevention strategies should be brought into focus to strengthen the employees' health. Special focus should be drawn to patient-related professions who are particularly confronted with pandemic-associated challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Wolf
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (L.W.); (H.S.)
- Institute for Exercise- and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (P.M.); (P.D.)
| | - Philipp Maier
- Institute for Exercise- and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (P.M.); (P.D.)
| | - Peter Deibert
- Institute for Exercise- and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (P.M.); (P.D.)
| | - Hagen Schmal
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (L.W.); (H.S.)
| | - Eva Johanna Kubosch
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (L.W.); (H.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hosseini ZS, Tavafian SS, Ahmadi O, Maghbouli R. Effectiveness of a theory-based educational intervention on work-related musculoskeletal disorders preventive behaviors among assembly-line female workers: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2023; 24:377. [PMID: 37277774 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07391-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of preventive behaviors of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) requires proper training, which leads to correct decisions regarding maintaining postures at work and performing stretching exercises. Due to very repetitive work, applying manual force, improper postures, and static contractions of proximal muscles, assembly-line female workers suffer from musculoskeletal pains. It is assumed that structured and theory-based educational intervention using a learning-by-doing (LBD) approach may increase the preventive behaviors against MSDs and reduce the consequences of these disorders. METHODS This randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted in three phases: phase 1: validation of the compiled questionnaire, phase 2: determining the social cognitive theory (SCT) constructs that predict the preventive behaviors of MSDs in assembly-line female workers, and phase 3: designing and implementing the educational theory. The educational intervention is based on the LBD approach, and the study population includes assembly-line female workers in electronic industries of Iran, who are randomly divided into two intervention and control groups. The intervention group received the educational intervention in the workplace and the control group does not receive any intervention. The theory-based educational intervention includes evidence-based information along with pictures, fact sheets, and published literature about a good posture at work and the need to perform proper stretching exercises. The educational intervention aims to improve the knowledge, skills, self-efficacy, and intention of assembly-line female workers to adopt preventive behaviors of MSDs. DISCUSSION The present study will evaluate the effects of maintaining a good posture at work and performing stretching exercises on the adherence to preventive behaviors of MSDs among assembly-line female workers. The developed intervention is easily implemented and evaluated in a short period of time based on the improved score of the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) method and the mean score of adherence to stretching exercises and can be provided by a health, safety, and environment (HSE) expert. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov IRCT20220825055792N1. Registered on 23 September 2022 with the IRCTID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zakieh Sadat Hosseini
- Department of Health Education, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Sadat Tavafian
- Department of Health Education, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Omran Ahmadi
- Department of Occupational Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Maghbouli
- Hasheminejad Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Iqbal Ahmed A, Hasan S, Shahjalal M, Shaha R, Hawlader MDH, Alam MM. Musculoskeletal pain among desk-based officials of Bangladesh: Association with mental health and individual factors. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001689. [PMID: 37075006 PMCID: PMC10115271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal (MS) pain is widely prevalent and is an important health issue for desk-based employees which has a negative impact on both personal and work life. This study aimed to determine the MS pain status and its association with mental health and other individual factors among desk-based officials of Dhaka, Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study comprised a sample of 526 desk-based officials from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected between November 2020 to March 2021. MS pain was determined by the visual analog scale (VAS) and depression and anxiety were screened by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Logistic regression analyses were employed to estimate the adjusted effect of independent factors on MS pain. The overall prevalence of MS pain was 64% among desk-based officials. The corresponding prevalence were 19% severe, 21% moderate and 24% mild MS pain. In the adjusted model, gender (AOR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.07-0.46), BMI (AOR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.14-0.59), monthly income (AOR: 5.17, 95% CI: 2.18-12.25), organization type (AOR: 4.3, 95% CI:1.8-10.1), floor living (AOR: 4.7, 95% CI:2.1-10.8), physical activity (AOR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.06-0.45), and lift facility in the house (AOR: 4.11, 95% CI: 2.06-8.23) were associated with MS pain. In addition, the prevalence of anxiety and depression was 17.7% and 16.4%, respectively. Depression was identified as a significant predictor for severe MS pain (AOR: 2.44, 95%CI:1.29-4.63). This study has revealed a relatively high prevalence of MS pain and mental health problems among Bangladeshi desk-based officials. Preventive measures need to be taken from both organizational and personal sides to delimitate MS pain and mental health problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asif Iqbal Ahmed
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shahriar Hasan
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Research Rats, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Shahjalal
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Research Rats, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rony Shaha
- Research Rats, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | | | - Mohammad Morshad Alam
- Research Rats, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- HNP Global Practice, The World Bank, Bangladesh Office, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
İkiz H, Ergin E. Musculoskeletal system problems in office workers: relationship of physical activity levels and quality of life. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2023; 29:321-328. [PMID: 35172693 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2043625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. This study aimed to determine the relationship between musculoskeletal problems in office workers and their physical activity levels and quality of life. Methods. A questionnaire form, the quality of life scale (SF-36) and the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) were used. Group differences were compared post hoc (Bonferroni) and non-parametrically (Mann-Whitney U test, etc.). Results. Among the participants, 81.7% experienced pain in at least one body area. Back pain was experienced most frequently at a rate of 54.8%, followed by neck and shoulder pain, respectively. According to the participants' physical activity levels, 58.5% (n = 141) were active, 37.3% (n = 90) were less active and 4.1% (n = 10) were very active. There was a significant relationship between the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among the participants and the participants' age, educational status, income status, regular exercise status, duration of computer use, eye complaints, complaints in the wrists and ergonomic chair use. Conclusion. The prevalence of MSDs was determined to be high in the office workers, while their levels of physical activity were found low. Training and exercises are needed to prevent MSDs in office workers and improve their levels of physical activity and quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harun İkiz
- Board Doctor Department, Capital Markets Board of Turkey, Turkey
| | - Emine Ergin
- Public Health Nursing Department, İstanbul Aydın University, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Talapatra S, Parvez M, Saha P, Kibria MG, Hoque A. Musculoskeletal risk factors assessment based on exploratory factor analysis and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process. THEORETICAL ISSUES IN ERGONOMICS SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/1463922x.2022.2157065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Talapatra
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - M.S. Parvez
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - P. Saha
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - M. G. Kibria
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - A.S.M. Hoque
- Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
El Kadri Filho F, Roberto de Lucca S. Telework during the COVID-19 pandemic: Ergonomic and psychosocial risks among Brazilian labor justice workers. Work 2022; 71:395-405. [PMID: 35095002 DOI: 10.3233/wor-210490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The imposition of telework by the COVID-19 pandemic represented a challenge for companies and workers with regard to the management and organization of the workplace at home. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the ergonomic risks, psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal symptoms as well as the relationships between these variables in employees of a Brazilian labor judiciary unit. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out with 55 employees who had their workstations evaluated by means of the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA-Br) and answered a questionnaire of sociodemographic and occupational characterization, the dimensions of workstation and posture of the Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ-Br-revised), the short version of the Job Stress Scale and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). RESULTS The workstations evaluations by ROSA-Br and MUEQ-Br-revised showed a strong correlation between themselves and to body posture, but they were not related to the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms. Body posture and demands were correlated to each other and with to occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms. Shoulders, neck and wrists / hands were the most affected body regions. CONCLUSIONS Companies that adopt teleworking for their employees must be aware of working conditions at home, including the workload, and offer adequate support in order to prevent the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fauzi El Kadri Filho
- School of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jain R, Meena ML, Rana KB. Risk factors of musculoskeletal symptoms among mobile device users during work from home. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2021; 28:2262-2268. [PMID: 34514964 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2021.1979318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting people throughout the world. People are forced to conduct various activities at home using mobile devices (MDs) as a result of the outbreak. In this case, prolonged use of MDs is the major cause for work-related health problems. Methods. We used systematic cluster random sampling to sample a diverse group of Indians from India's various states. Subjects filled out a questionnaire with questions about their demographics, MD usage and musculoskeletal symptoms (MSSs) faced. The relationship between MSSs and various factors was investigated using χ2 and binomial logistic regression analysis. Results. An online survey yielded 720 responses. More than half of employees registered MSSs in their upper body regions. Age, gender and MD usage were correlated with MSSs in various body regions. According to the binomial logistic regression findings, gender was significantly linked to MSSs in each body region. Conclusions. Results show that MDs can be used effectively in intermediate leisure activities if they are used in accordance with their basic needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Jain
- University Teaching Department, Rajasthan Technical University Kota, India
| | - Makkhan Lal Meena
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, India
| | - Kunj Bihari Rana
- University Teaching Department, Rajasthan Technical University Kota, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Association of individual and device usage factors with musculoskeletal disorders amongst handheld devices users during homestay due to pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WORKPLACE HEALTH MANAGEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/ijwhm-06-2020-0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic is spreading in India and different parts of the world. The outbreak delivered not only the condition of dying from infection but also forced people (especially office workers and students) to perform all working (office work, classes, assignments, etc.) and non-working activities (leisure activities such as social media, gaming, etc.) at home using handheld devices (HHDs). In this situation, HHD usage for longer durations is mainly responsible for work-related health issues. Therefore, the paper aims to explore HHD usage patterns and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) amongst HHD users during homestay and the impact of individual and HHD usage–related factors on MSDs.Design/methodology/approachFrom different states of India, 651 people (especially HHD users from universities and industries) were sampled by using systematic cluster random sampling. In addition, an online questionnaire was used to collect data on the prevalence and risk factors of MSDs. Finally, mean comparisons and chi-square analysis was used to analyse the collected data.FindingsThe prevalence rate of MSDs was higher in upper body parts as compared to the lower body parts. The association of gender with MSDs in various body parts was substantial. The time spent on various working and non-working activities using HHDs was significantly associated with MSDs in upper body parts.Practical implicationsHomestay work may be used as an alternative working arrangement, and the risk factors that have the most significant impact on the health of HHD users may be identified by organizations. The findings suggest the proper use of HHDs as per their essential need with intermediate recreational activities.Originality/valueIt is observed that the musculoskeletal health of office workers and university students is a cause for concern during homestay. The current study provides the prevalence of MSDs experienced by HHD users and the association of individual and HHD usage factors with MSDs.
Collapse
|