Original Research Article
Year: 2021 | Month: November | Volume: 11 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 48-61
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20211106
Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain in Bio-Pharmaceutical Industry Workers
Dhairav Alkesh Shah1, Nirati Paresh Lakhani2
1Head Physiotherapist, Asiya Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Clinic, Mumbai
2Intern, P.T. School and Center, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai
Corresponding Author: Dhairav Alkesh Shah
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems in bio-pharmaceutical industry workers. A cross sectional survey was conducted on 33 bio-pharmaceutical industry workers by administering the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to quantify the musculoskeletal pain and activity limitation in 9 body regions. The Rapid Office Strain Assessment was used to assess the work-related postures and ergonomics of the computer operators in this industry. A Self-Designed Questionnaire was administered to obtain data regarding the various musculoskeletal problems faced by Bio-pharmaceutical industrial workers, work-related risk factors and various postures attained throughout the day.
Out of the 33 workers investigated, 21 workers (63%) of the workers experienced musculoskeletal pain. Isolated spine pain was the commonest, and was reported in 8 out of 21 individuals (38%). Spine with upper and lower limb pain was the next most common, and was reported in 5 out of 21 individuals (24%). 4 out of 21 individuals had spine and lower limb pain (19%). The Rapid Office Strain Assessment scores of all the workers was above 5 indicating “high risk” which implied that immediate ergonomic change was necessary. This study concluded that there was 63% prevalence of musculoskeletal pain. The most common site of pain were the spine, followed by pain in the spine with both upper and lower extremities. All the workers were exposed to different ergonomic risk factors. The study concluded that implementation of ergonomic interventions may minimize the risks of work related musculoskeletal pain.
Key words: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Rapid Office Strain Assessment, Ergonomic hazards.