Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain and Burnout among Librarians of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

<strong>Background</strong>: Musculoskeletal pain and burnout can influence the quality of services provided by librarians working in libraries; therefore, the present study has been designed to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain as well as the existence of burnout among librarians working in libraries affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.<br /> <strong>Method</strong>: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted by taking a census of librarians working in libraries affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was assessed using the standard Nordic questionnaire, and the pain intensity was measured based on the numeric pain rating scale. The standard Maslach and Jackson questionnaire, with a reliability coefficient of 0.78, was used to measure burnout.<br /> <strong>Results</strong>: According to the findings, the most common musculoskeletal pain experienced by the librarians was a pain in the spinal region, particularly in the low back, and after that, the pain in the upper limb was most frequent. In terms of burnout, librarians experienced low levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, and moderate levels of personal accomplishment.<br /> <strong>Conclusion</strong>: All librarians reported at least one musculoskeletal pain. Low back pain is frequent among librarians. These individuals suffer from burnout.