The Status of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Its Influence on the Working Ability of Oil Workers in Xinjiang, China

Risk factors of musculoskeletal symptoms among industrial workers in Peninsular Malaysia

Objectives. The prevalence rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) globally is notably high. There are a limited number of studies investigating WMSDs and their associated risk factors. However, there are currently no data available for WMSDs among industrial workers in Peninsular Malaysia. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of WMSDs and associated risk factors among industrial workers experiencing WMSDs through their daily working tasks. Methods. A quantitative study using a questionnaire was conducted among industrial workers from rehabilitation centres and factories in Peninsular Malaysia. The analysis of 232 participant narratives aimed to identify the correlation between job tasks and musculoskeletal pain, especially in case of repetitive and heavy handling tasks. Results. The prevalence of WMSDs among industrial workers stands at 93.1%. The results also indicate that the most affected part of the body was the lower back, with 62.1% for 7 days or more in the last year, caused by industrial workers' job tasks. The prominent risk factors associated with body parts include gender, age, working hours and most difficult tasks with MSDs, especially in the lower back. Conclusion. This survey helps us to understand whether the workers are experiencing any discomfort, pain or disability related to workplace activities.

Predictors of musculoskeletal disorders and job satisfaction among office workers of an oil company: A cross-sectional study in Iran

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal disorders are among the significant causes of disabilities and occupational injuries all over the world and can reduce the quality of life and job satisfaction. These disorders prevail among the office workers of the Iranian Oil Company, though research on the involved factors is limited.

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigated the incidence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders and their association with job satisfaction among the office workers of the Iranian Oil Company.

METHODS

The present research was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study on 210 male office workers of the Iranian Oil Company. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and the rate of job satisfaction were measured by Nordic Musculoskeletal and Minnesota job Satisfaction Questionnaires, respectively. The relationship between the variables was analyzed by the SPSS 28 software.

RESULTS

The most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders among office workers in the past 12 months were associated with the neck, waist, and knee organs, with 45.70, 41, and 38.10 percentages. Smoking, second jobs, and physical injury histories were identified as three risk factors connected to musculoskeletal disorders (p < 0.05). Forty-one percent of the participants were moderately satisfied with their jobs, and this number was significantly related to musculoskeletal disorders in the shoulders, elbows, back, waist, and knees (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that second jobs, smoking, and physical injury histories are three risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders among office workers of the Iranian Oil Company. Thus, it is imperative to identify at-risk office workers and train and encourage them to take preventive actions and employ ergonomic job equipment.

Musculoskeletal disorders and work ability of workers at a university campus in southern Brazil

Background

When performed in unfavorable conditions, work can lead to the development of musculoskeletal disorders and decrease in work ability.

Objectives

To identify the differences between three groups of workers (professors, technicians and outsourced workers) as for the sociodemographic profile, work ability, prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, activity restrictions, and the correlation between the presence of musculoskeletal disorders and activity restrictions with each domain of the Work Ability Index.

Methods

The sample consisted of 67 university workers assessed by a Sociodemographic Data Questionnaire, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Symptoms Questionnaire and the Work Ability Index. Descriptive statistics and Kendall's Tau correlation coefficient were used.

Results

Professors presented more favorable sociodemographic and lifestyle aspects and higher work ability, while outsourced workers had less favorable sociodemographic and lifestyle aspects and lower work ability. The correlation between activity restrictions and work ability was found in only one domain of Work Ability Index among professors. Among outsourced workers were found correlations on presence of musculoskeletal disorders and activity restrictions with six domains of Work Ability Index. Technicians did not show significant correlation.

Conclusions

Outsourced workers presented worse work ability and less favorable sociodemographic and lifestyle aspects among the workers in the study, requiring the maintenance and improvement of work ability in this population.

Neck and Musculoskeletal Pain Among Dentists: A Review of the Literature

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), notably neck pain, are important occupational health issues in the field of dentistry. Many studies were done worldwide to gather data about neck and back pain. They used different characteristics and risk factors. Other studies aimed to determine only the prevalence of neck and back problems among dentists. We aim to review the literature for research about the optimal factors to be assessed and the proper measures to be installed by dentists to prevent cervical pain and to be taught and shared with dental students. Such an aim requires a thorough review of the current condition. This is a brief review of the literature to shed light on the latest news on this topic. Research using keywords such as dentistry, neck pain, neck pain index, occupational pain, and dental specialties were used to skim the literature for related topics. Publications are considered based on their relevance to the topic. Topics related to other professions and pain induced by illnesses other than occupational factors are not included. The final conclusion shows that no final results were conducted regarding the optimal characteristics that the dentists should be using. Therefore, we recommend a study with an aim to determine the optimal factors to be used by dentists to prevent cervical pain and to be taught to dental students.

Study on a Bayes evaluation of the working ability of petroleum workers in the Karamay region, Xinjiang, China

Objectives

Use Bayes statistical methods to analyze the factors related to the working ability of petroleum workers in China and establish a predictive model for prediction so as to provide a reference for improving the working ability of petroleum workers.

Materials and methods

The data come from the health questionnaire database of petroleum workers in the Karamay region, Xinjiang, China. The database contains the results of a health questionnaire survey conducted with 4,259 petroleum workers. We established an unsupervised Bayesian network, using Node-Force to analyze the dependencies between influencing factors, and established a supervised Bayesian network, using mutual information analysis methods (MI) to influence factors of oil workers’ work ability. We used the Bayesian target interpretation tree model to observe changes in the probability distribution of work ability classification under different conditions of important influencing factors. In addition, we established the Tree Augmented Naïve Bayes (TAN) prediction model to improve work ability, make predictions, and conduct an evaluation.

Results

(1) The unsupervised Bayesian network shows that there is a direct relationship between shoulder and neck musculoskeletal diseases, anxiety, working age, and work ability, (2) The supervised Bayesian network shows that anxiety, depression, shoulder and neck musculoskeletal diseases (Musculoskeletal Disorders, MSDs), low back musculoskeletal disorders (Musculoskeletal Disorders, MSDs), working years, age, occupational stress, and hypertension are relatively important factors that affect work ability. Other factors have a relative impact on work ability but are less important.

Conclusion

Anxiety, depression, shoulder and neck MSDs, waist and back MSDs, and length of service are important influencing factors of work ability. The Tree Augmented Naïve Bayes prediction model has general performance in predicting workers’ work ability, and the Bayesian model needs to be deepened in subsequent research and a more appropriate forecasting method should be chosen.

Musculoskeletal symptoms and associated factors among manual porcelain workers at different workstations: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) symptoms and to identify the associated factors (individual, and work-related) among manual porcelain workers at different workstations. The risk level of each workstation was also assessed based on the working postures for the purpose of improving occupational health.

METHODS

In total, 349 workers were recruited for this cross-sectional study. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to collect data on WMSDs symptoms in nine body regions. The relationship between individual/occupational factors and WMSDs symptoms was determined using multiple logistic regression analysis. The Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method was applied to classify the risk level of working postures at the five workstations (shaping, trimming, glazing, painting, and burning).

RESULTS

The prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort in at least one body region within the past 12 months was 69.1% among the participants: the neck (49.3%), lower back (43.8%), and shoulders (27.5%). Sex, work experience, daily working hours, perceived work fatigue, and workstation, were significantly associated with WMSDs symptoms in different body regions. The REBA indicated that 57.8% and 32.5% of the working postures were in the medium- and above high-risk levels, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study showed a high occurrence of WMSDs symptoms among manual porcelain workers and suggested that both individual and work-related characteristics should be considered to improve occupational health. Furthermore, urgent ergonomic intervention is needed to avoid awkward working postures that cause WMSDs symptoms in porcelain workers, particularly at the shaping and burning workstations.

Ergonomics Risk Assessment for Manual Material Handling of Warehouse Activities Involving High Shelf and Low Shelf Binning Processes: Application of Marker-Based Motion Capture

Lower back pain is a musculoskeletal disorder that is commonly reported among warehouse workers due to the nature of the work environment and manual handling activities. The objective of this study was to assess the ergonomic risks among warehouse workers carrying out high shelf (HS) and low shelf (LS) binning processes. A questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, while a marker-based motion capture (MoCap) system worksheet was used to record the participants’ motion and determine the action risk level. A total of 33% of the participants reported lower back pain in the past seven days, based on the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) results. Analysis of the body velocities showed that the HS binning process had four major velocity peaks, defined as the initial, lowering, lifting, and final phases. In comparison, the LS binning process had two major peaks defined, the crouching and rising phases. There were significant differences between the mean velocities of the workers for the HS binning process, indicating that the workers have different movement patterns with varying velocities.

Musculoskeletal disorders related to dental hygienist profession

Objectives

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are occupational illnesses concerned with different classes of professionals; dental hygienists are among those. The aim of this trial is to evaluate MSDs prevalence and significance of the symptoms in a sample of dental hygienists.

Materials and Methods

A 20‐question questionnaire was administered to a sample of dental hygienists, via social networks. The variables taken into consideration were personal data, hours of sport, working habits, years of professional activity, working hours and number of patients per week, presence or absence of pain.

Statistical Analysis

Data were evaluated using standard statistical analysis software, and an Excel database was created. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each variable. Group comparison was assessed by the chi‐square test of homogeneity and Fisher's exact test. (p‐value <0.05 as significant).

Results

468 questionnaires were examined: 396 females (85%) and 72 males (15%). The prevailing age was between 25 and 35. Among them, 91% referred to be suffering or have suffered MSDs. The most relevant affected muscular areas are neck (30.6%), shoulder (25.0%) and lumbosacral region (23.3%); the remaining 21.1% is divided among the other regions. Association and statistical analysis among the different variables showed how presence of MSDs negatively influences absenteeism and work performance; further research regarding ergonomics, type of seat, stretching and workout prevention would be important to strengthen the results collected.

Conclusions

Musculoskeletal disorders diffusion among dental hygienists is particularly high due to lack of information; the majority of interviewees showed very little awareness of it; this led to a lack of effort in facing or possibly preventing these pathologies.

Prevalence, pattern and predictors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among oil workers in Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) account for a loss of GDP in most countries. The oil sector is the largest and most economically relevant industry in Nigeria, yet the impact of WMSD on workers in this industry is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence, pattern and predictors of WMSD among oil workers in Nigeria.

METHODS

This exploratory study was conducted in oil producing companies in Nigeria. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to assess WMSD, while risk factors and demographic variables were obtained through an interview. Obtained data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and logistic regression at α=0.05RESULTS:A total of 198 (138 male, 60 female) oil workers aged 40.3±10.1 years participated in this study. The prevalence of WMSD was 88.8%, and was most common around the low-back (51.5%), and neck (44.4%) regions. There was a significant association between WMSD and each of duration of service (X2 = 45.44, p = 0.020), awkward neck postures at work (X2 = 12.46, p = 0.006), inadequate training on injury prevention (X2 = 11.98, p = 0.007), and continuing to work while feeling discomfort (X2 = 10.83, p = 0.013). Post-hoc analysis revealed that being a male oil worker (OR = 1.17, p = 0.037) and continuing to work while feeling discomfort or pain (OR = 2.23, p = 0.048) were the significant predictors of WMSD.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately nine in every ten oil workers in Nigeria have a WMSD. Male gender and work persistence amidst discomfort or pain are the predictors of WMSD among oil workers in Nigeria. Ergonomics training and evaluation programme is recommended for workers in this industry.

Evaluation and analysis of new design traditional handloom performance in reducing work musculoskeletal disorders among Sarong Samarinda female weavers: A quasi-experimental study

Background:

Work musculoskeletal disorder (WMSDs) are occupational health problems whose prevalence is still high in various countries. Ergonomic interventions are the most successful approach to reducing WMSDs. This study evaluated the effect of redesign traditional handloom on the work posture and musculoskeletal disorders of Samarinda Sarong traditional weavers.

Methods:

The quasi-experiment has been carried out on 40 traditional weavers from February to September 2019 in Samarinda, Indonesia. The weaver using the new design handloom then evaluated its impact on work posture and WMSDs in the first 3 months and the second 3 months. Work posture was assessed using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). WMSDs were assessed using a Nordic Body Map questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Friedman and Dunn's test.

Results:

The RULA score decreased from 7 to 3 and 2, while the WMSD risk at “very high” level decreased from 12.5% to 7.5% and 2.5% and the WMSD at “high” risk level decreased from 87.5% to 10.0% and 5.0% following the introducing of the new design traditional handloom at 3 and 6 months, respectively.

Conclusions:

The new design of the traditional handloom on Sarong Samarinda female weavers has succeeded in improving work posture and reducing WMSDs.

Associations of musculoskeletal disorders with occupational stress and mental health among coal miners in Xinjiang, China: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), a common type of occupational diseases, have become the main cause of absenteeism and early retirement in the occupational population, as well as a major risk factor for occupational disability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of occupational stress and mental health on MSDs in coal miners in Xinjiang, China, to provide a theoretical basis for reducing the incidence of MSDs in coal miners and improving their physical and mental health.

METHODS

In this study, stratified cluster random sampling was used to randomly select six coal mining companies in Xinjiang, and 1675 coal miners were surveyed by questionnaire. The status of occupational stress, mental health and MSDs among coal miners was investigated by means of the Effort-Reward Imbalance questionnaire (ERI), Symptom Checklist-90(SCL-90), and Musculoskeletal disorders scale (MSDs) questionnaire.

RESULTS

The prevalence of MSDs among coal miners was higher, and there were statistical differences among different sexes, ages, working years, shifts, types of work, educational level and monthly income (P < 0.001). The prevalence of MSDs in different body parts in the occupational stress group and mental disorder group was higher than that in the normal group. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that females had an increased risk of developing MSDs (OR = 2.23, 95% CI.:1.50,3.33). The risk of MSDs was higher with age < 30 years (30-39 years,OR = 2.39, 95% CI.,1.68,3.40; 40-49 years,OR = 2.15, 95% CI.:1.52,3.04; 50-60 years:OR = 3.25, 95% CI.:2.09,5.07), and the longer the working years, the higher the risk of MSDs (OR = 1.90, 95% CI.:1.38,2.62). The two shifts group (OR = 2.18, 95% CI.:1.59,2.98) had an increased risk of developing MSDs compared with the fixed day shift group. The risk of MSDs was lower in heading drivers (OR = 0.41, 95% CI.:0.29,0.60,) and transport workers (OR = 0.30, 95% CI.:0.20,0.43). The higher the education level, the lower the risk of MSDs (high school: OR = 0.46, 95% CI.:0.34,0.62, junior college and above: OR = 0.12, 95% CI.:0.08,0.17), and the higher the monthly income, the lower the risk of MSDs (OR = 0.50, 95% CI.:0.34,0.74). Occupational stress (OR = 1.32, 95% CI.:1.05,1.67) and mental disorder(OR = 2.94, 95% CI.:2.25,3.84) increased the risk of MSDs. A Bayesian network diagram showed that occupational stress and MSDs have direct effects on mental disorders, and occupational stress can have indirect effects on mental disorders through MSDs.

CONCLUSION

Our research shows that MSDs are common among coal miners. Occupational stress and psychological disorders can increase the incidence of MSDs.

Musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors among heavy load carriers in Yaounde city, Cameroon

Objectives. This study assessed musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and their correlates among heavy load carriers in Yaounde city, Cameroon. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 301 healthy male handlers. Descriptive statistics were used to determine prevalence while logistic regression was performed to determine associated factors. Results. MSD prevalence was 100 and 87.7% during the last 12 months and 7 days, respectively. Main sites affected were, respectively, the lower back (84.1 and 61.1%), hips/thighs (81.1 and 47.2%) and neck (74.7 and 43.2%). MSD risk factors were age 25-30 years during the last 12 months (odds ratio [OR] = 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] [-1.2, 6.5]) and 7 days (OR = 4.2; 95% CI [-1.7, 10.7]) for the neck and the last 12 months (OR = 2.6; 95% CI [-1.1, 5.8]) for shoulders. Overweight was a risk factor for wrists/hands in the last 12 months (OR = 2.7; 95% CI [-11.0, 7.2]). Seniority of 5-10 years was a risk factor for the lower back (OR = 1.8; 95% CI [-1.0, 3.3]) and hips/thighs (OR = 3.2; 95% CI [-1.7, 5.8]) in the last 7 days. Conclusion. Handlers showed high MSD prevalence in most sites, e.g., lower back, upper back, hips/thighs, shoulders and neck. Associated significant factors were age, overweight and seniority.

Impact of Individual Headache Types on the Work and Work Efficiency of Headache Sufferers

Background: Headaches have not only medical but also great socioeconomic significance, therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the overall impact of headaches on a patient’s life, including their work and work efficiency. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of individual headache types on work and work efficiency. Methods: This research was designed as a cross-sectional study performed by administering a questionnaire among employees. The questionnaire consisted of general questions, questions about headache features, and questions about the impact of headaches on work. Results: Monthly absence from work was mostly represented by migraine sufferers (7.1%), significantly more than with sufferers with tension-type headaches (2.23%; p = 0.019) and other headache types (2.15%; p = 0.025). Migraine sufferers (30.2%) worked in spite of a headache for more than 25 h, which was more frequent than with sufferers from tension-type and other-type headaches (13.4%). On average, headache sufferers reported work efficiency ranging from 66% to 90%. With regard to individual headache types, this range was significantly more frequent in subjects with tension-type headaches, whereas 91–100% efficiency was significantly more frequent in subjects with other headache types. Lower efficiency, i.e., 0–40% and 41–65%, was significantly more frequent with migraine sufferers. Conclusions: Headaches, especially migraines, significantly affect the work and work efficiency of headache sufferers by reducing their productivity. Loss is greater due to reduced efficiency than due to absenteeism.

Assessment of work-related symptoms, perceived knowledge, and attitude among nail salon technicians

OBJECTIVES

Beauty is a Lebanese stereotype, as Lebanese women often feel urged to decorate themselves. Recent studies have raised concerns about nail salon technicians' (NSTs) health and safety issues. The aim of our study was to evaluate the occupational symptoms reported by NSTs, to assess their knowledge and document their awareness regarding hazardous chemicals found in nail cosmetics.

METHODS

NSTs completed a researcher-administered questionnaire. Data were gathered on sociodemographic characteristics, perceived knowledge, and safety issues. Work-related symptoms reported by NSTs were evaluated, and their responses were compared to those of the office employees.

RESULTS

A total of 120 NSTs and 120 office employees were interviewed. Compared to the control group, NSTs reported a higher prevalence of work-related respiratory, dermal, and irritative symptoms, all significantly associated with smoking and a poor ventilation system. In addition, musculoskeletal complaints were common among NSTs and significantly linked to a poor ventilation system, an increased number of customers per day, and a longer service duration. Furthermore, a longer career duration was significantly associated with an increased prevalence of irritative symptoms. When a binary logistic regression was carried out, it demonstrated a 25 times higher prevalence of work-related symptoms among NSTs compared to the office employees. Interestingly, 84% of the respondents had an inaccurate knowledge of nail cosmetics' risks with their educational level acting as key factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these findings, it is warranted to perform a clinical assessment, implement a stringent regulatory framework, and improve knowledge toward nail cosmetics' risk.

A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Survey of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Analysis of Its Influencing Factors among Coal Mine Workers in Xinjiang

This study is to investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and the influencing factors among coal mine workers employed in on-site operations. The job burnout scale and MSD scale were implemented to investigate a random sample of 1,500 coal mine workers working in on-site operations in Xinjiang, China. In total, 1,325 valid questionnaires were collected, with a recovery rate of 88.33% (1,325/1,500). The rate of job burnout was 90%, of which 39.8% were categorized as mild burnout, 43.8% as moderate burnout, and 6.4% as severe burnout; the average job burnout score was 50.77 ± 11.93. The annual prevalence of MSDs was 65.6%, with the highest annual prevalence in the waist (50.7%), followed by the neck, shoulder, and knee, and the lowest prevalence in the elbow (18.8%). Of the areas of the body affected by work-related MSDs, the highest proportion of requests for leave of absence was related to the waist, accounting for 25.7% of requests, while the lowest proportion (13.4%) was related to the wrist. In addition, the incidence of MSDs increased with the years of service. The lowest incidence of MSDs was associated with the two-shift and three-group working pattern. The prevalence of MSDs in the neck and waist was higher in women than in men. The prevalence of MSDs in various body parts increased with the years of service. Moreover, multiple logistic regression indicated that three shifts with four groups (OR = 1.096, 95% CI: 0.832-1.445), working more than 10 years (OR = 3.396, 95% CI: 2.369-5.748), working more than 20 years (OR = 3.008, 95% CI: 1.419-6.337), significant bending (OR = 2.062, 95% CI: 1.400-3.038), forward neck tilting (OR = 1.572, 95% CI: 1.071-2.281), maximum force operation within a short period of time (OR = 1.7222, 95% CI: 1.164-2.547), repeated movement of upper arms or fingers (OR = 1.495, 95% CI: 1.034-2.161), slip or fall incidents (OR = 1.124, 95% CI: 1.039-1.216), work under conditions of cold or temperature variations (OR = 1.911, 95% CI: 1.342-2.720), mild burnout (OR = 1.492, 95% CI: 1.016-2.191), moderate burnout (OR = 1.852, 95% CI: 1.267-2.708), and severe burnout (OR = 2.001, 95% CI: 1.145-3.496) were risk factors for MSDs. In conclusion, there is a high annual prevalence of MSDs among the coal mine workers employed in on-site operations in Xinjiang, China. Measures to reduce this prevalence are required.

Improvement of Skeletal Muscle Regeneration by Platelet-Rich Plasma in Rats with Experimental Chronic Hyperglycemia

Herein, the structural effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on posttraumatic skeletal muscle regeneration in rats with chronic hyperglycemia (CH) was tested. 130 white laboratory male rats divided into four groups (I—control; II—rats with CH; III—rats with CH and PRP treatment; and IV—rats for CH confirmation) were used for the experiment. CH was simulated by streptozotocin and nicotinic acid administration. Triceps surae muscle injury was reproduced by transverse linear incision. Autologous PRP was used in order to correct the possible negative CH effect on skeletal muscle recovery. On the 28th day after the injury, the regenerating muscle fiber and blood vessel number in the CH+PRP group were higher than those in the CH rats. However, the connective tissue area in the CH group was larger than that in the CH+PRP animals. The amount of agranulocytes in the regenerating muscle of the CH rats was lower compared to that of the CH+PRP group. The histological analysis of skeletal muscle recovery in CH+PRP animals revealed more intensive neoangiogenesis compared to that in the CH group. Herewith, the massive connective tissue development and inflammation signs were observed within the skeletal muscle of CH rats. Obtained results suggest that streptozotocin-induced CH has a negative effect on posttraumatic skeletal muscle regeneration, contributing to massive connective tissue development. The autologous PRP injection promotes muscle recovery process in rats with CH, shifting it away from fibrosis toward the complete muscular organ repair.

The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among above 50-year-old population referred to the Kermanshah-Iran health bus in 2016

Objective

Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most important causes of disability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among the above 50-year-old population who referred to the health bus in Kermanshah. A questionnaire was used to collect data regarding musculoskeletal disorders of 589 people who voluntarily referred to the health bus. Means (SD) and range were used in descriptive statistics.

Results

The most prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints was related to the knee (338, 57.4%). After that, the low back pain had the most frequency (319, 54.3%). The lowest prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints was related to the thighs with a frequency of 95 (16.1%). The highest rate of musculoskeletal complaints over the past week in both genders with a frequency of 251 (59.3%) among women and 68 (41%) among men was related to the low back region The highest rate of musculoskeletal complaints over the past year was also related to the low back region, with a frequency of 220 (41%) among women and 61 (36.7%) among men. Concerning the physical health of the elderly, special attention is required for the knee joint and the low back region.