The Prevalence Rate of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Iranian Female Workers

Abstract

<strong>Background:</strong> The risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in female workers is high. Despite the increasing trend in women's work force in recent decades, there is no comprehensive survey on WMSDs in Iranian female workers population. <strong>Objectives:</strong> The objectives of the present study were to investigate the period prevalence rate of WMSDs in different body regions of Iranian female workers and determine major contributing factors associated with WMSDs in this population. <strong>Patients and Methods:</strong> In this study, we used the raw data of our previous studies conducted in diverse Iranian workplace settings. Collectively, the data related to 2934 female employees from 15 Iranian workplace settings distributed throughout the country were analyzed. Data gathering tool consisted of 2 parts including: a) personal details and b) the General Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal symptoms (NMQ). Data were analyzed using statistical tests including Chi-square and multiple logistic regressions. <strong>Results:</strong> The results of NMQ showed that symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in lower back (51.8%), shoulders (51.5%) and wrists/hands (46.2%) were the most prevalent problem among the studied female workers. The results of multiple logistic regression showed a significant association between the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in different body regions with age, job tenure, daily working hours, type of activity (static and/or dynamic), working schedule (shift or day working) and marital status. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> Lower back, shoulders, and wrists/hands complaints were highly prevalent among studied female workers. Age, job tenure, daily working hours, type of activity, working schedule (shift or day working) and marital status were found to be associated with WMSDs among Iranian female workers.