A study on the symptoms associated with work related musculoskeletal disorders among library professionals

Abstract

Work related musculoskeletal disorders(WMSDs) are a group of painful disorders of muscles, tendons and nerves. The data available are limited and does not represent the magnitude of the problem because there is a great deal of under-reporting of these types of injuries. Hence the present study was undertaken. The study was undertaken in view the objectives to find out the general health status of library professionals, to identify the symptoms associated with work related musculoskeletal disorders among Library professionals, to find out the severity of the work related musculoskeletal disorders among library professionals, to analyze the risk factors such as work station, work environment, body posture, job control, job demand, break time and other work related individual psycho social factors leading to musculoskeletal disorders among library professionals and to suggest measures to overcome the musculoskeletal disorders among library professionals. The design adopted for the present study was ex-post facto research. The survey was conducted among 675 library professionals working in the affiliated colleges of Anna University, Chennai to assess the symptoms associated with musculoskeletal disorders. The present study was undertaken using the purposive sampling method by selecting 500 samples. The study was carried out by survey method which was done with the help of questionnaire. The purpose of the study was explained to the subjects and a good rapport was created which helped in easy collection of data. The data obtained was coded and subjected to statistical analysis like arithmetic mean, standard deviation, t-test, one way analysis of variance and factor analysis. From the observation and analysis of the results, it can be concluded that the library professionals are working in awkward postures, with potential risks of musculoskeletal disorders primarily affecting the low-back and neck region. This study indicates the appalling condition of the library professionals newline