A Cross Sectional Study To Evaluate Working Posture and Postural Problems Prevalence In Professionals

Abstract

The aims of the study were to assess the epidemiologic evidence on the relationship between postural problems due to the wrong working posture and workplace factors specifically in professionals. newline newlineThis cross sectional study was carried out in the urban areas of Chennai city including 700 participants from four different professions. The total sample was equally divided into four professionals, namely dentists, nurses, IT/ITES and bank employees. Their working postures were evaluated using Plumb line method, Rapid Entire Body Assessment method (REBA) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment method (RULA). Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) was used to record the prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) in terms of musculoskeletal symptoms (ache, pain, discomfort) in the preceding 12 months. newline newlineIt was observed that there was a significant difference in overall prevalence of WMSD. Among the four professionals, a larger number of dentists have problem in shoulders (67.4%), neck (91.4%), upper back (84.5%) and low back (56.5%) problems during past 12 months. A majority of nurses have problems in neck (72.1%), elbows (55.6%), upper back (80.1%) and lower back (78.9%) past 12 months. IT/ITES employees have wrist/ hands (60.0%) problem during past 12 months. newline newlineThe statistical analysis using binary logistic regression showed that neck pain for the dentist is mainly related to working hours, where as for the nurses, Ponderal index plays a role. In case of IT/ITES employeeand#8223;s stressful job was a significant factor for the neck pain. For bank employees the variables that are associated with the neck pain are age, weight, BMI, work experience and length of thigh. newlineThe binary logistic regression results showed that wrist pain in dentists is mainly related to working hours, where as for the nurses it is Crural Index. In case of IT/ITES employees body weight was a significant factor for the wrist pain. For bank employees the variables that are associated with the wrist pain are work experience, height, relationship with boss and length of lower leg. newline newlineBack pain of nurses is mainly related to their body weight. In case of IT/ITES employeesand#8223; height was a significant factor for the back pain. Smoking and stressful job also contributed significantly. For bank employees the variable that are associated with the back pain are relationship with the boss, smoking, marital status, length of the thigh and length of the lower leg. newlineThe Plumbline Analysis shows Kyphosis is found to be highest among IT/ITES professionals (76.7%), compared to other occupation groups. newline newlineREBA Score Analysis showed that risk levels are found to be high among dentists and nurses whereas it is found to be medium among IT/ITES and bank professionals. RULA Score Analysis indicates investigation and changes are required soon in the working posture of these professionals. newline newlineThe goal of ergonomics is to reduce work related musculoskeletal disorders by adapting the work to fit the person, instead of forcing the person to adapt to the work. In our study, we observed that a significant proportion of Dentists, IT/ITES professionals, Nurses and Bank Employees suffered from MSD. Nearly three fourths of the professionals we studied had mentioned to have some health problems. This is a significant proportion and denotes that the occupational health of the people should be emphasized as a field of concern in public health. newline newline newline newline