Work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity with reference to working posture of secretaries

Abstract

Introduction: This study investigated the prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) of the upper extremity and low back among secretaries in a state public service and their associations with working posture.

Methodology: A cross sectional survey was carried out among 150 secretaries randomly selected within the Lagos State Civil Service Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, by using a 52-item questionnaire which captured information on work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Working posture was assessed by measuring the variation in craniovertebral angle (CVA) and using Rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) scores of participants.

Results: The prevalence of WMSDs of low back, neck, shoulder and hand of the participants in this study was observed to be 71.3%, 59.3%, 48.0% and 28.0% respectively. The results of this study showed a significant difference in CVA and the RULA scores (p = 0.02), between participants with neck pain and those without neck pain, hand pain and those without hand pain(p = 0.003), low back pain and those without low back pain(p = 0.004).

Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of upper extremity and low back musculoskeletal disorders among secretaries in Lagos State Civil Service Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos  Nigeria. Neither CVA nor RULA scores were associated with shoulder pain.

Keywords: Occupational Health, Cranio vertebral angle, Rapid upper limb assessment, Musculoskeletal discomfort.