Demographic and Occupational Determinants of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a significant public health concern, particularly in professions requiring prolonged static postures. <b>Objectives:</b> This study examined the influence of demographic and occupational factors on the WMSD prevalence and provides eviden...
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MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/2/137 |
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| author | Monika S. Popova Silviya P. Nikolova Silviya I. Filkova |
| author_facet | Monika S. Popova Silviya P. Nikolova Silviya I. Filkova |
| author_sort | Monika S. Popova |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a significant public health concern, particularly in professions requiring prolonged static postures. <b>Objectives:</b> This study examined the influence of demographic and occupational factors on the WMSD prevalence and provides evidence-based recommendations for workplace health improvements. <b>Methods</b>: A cross-sectional study (July–September 2024) surveyed 80 office employees in Varna, Bulgaria, using the Prevent 4 Work (P4Wq) questionnaire. ANOVA and <i>t</i>-tests assessed the WMSD prevalence across demographics, while Pearson’s correlations examined associations with age, BMI, and work experience. Data were analyzed in Jamovi v.2.6 (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <b>Results</b>: The sample (92.5% women, mean age 47.2 years) reported a high WMSD prevalence, with cervical pain (88.8%), lower back pain (83.8%), and shoulder pain (75.0%) being the most common. Work experience, age, and BMI were significantly correlated with WMSD severity, while gender showed no significant associations. <b>Conclusions</b>: WMSDs are highly prevalent among office employees, with lower back, neck, and shoulder pain being the most common complaints. Factors such as higher BMI, longer work experience, and increased workload are associated with greater symptom severity. These results emphasize the urgent need for targeted workplace interventions aimed at reducing ergonomic risks, improving posture, and enhancing employee well-being, ultimately fostering a healthier and more productive work environment. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-7d5cb989c38e438c9dc33b93eb83c3d4 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2411-5142 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology |
| spelling | doaj-art-7d5cb989c38e438c9dc33b93eb83c3d42025-08-20T02:21:07ZengMDPI AGJournal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology2411-51422025-04-0110213710.3390/jfmk10020137Demographic and Occupational Determinants of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Cross-Sectional StudyMonika S. Popova0Silviya P. Nikolova1Silviya I. Filkova2Education Sector “Rehabilitator”, Medical College, Medical University–Varna, 55 Marin Drinov Street, 9000 Varna, BulgariaDepartment of Social Medicine and Healthcare Organization, Medical University–Varna, 55 Marin Drinov Street, 9000 Varna, BulgariaEducation Sector “Rehabilitator”, Medical College, Medical University–Varna, 55 Marin Drinov Street, 9000 Varna, BulgariaWork-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a significant public health concern, particularly in professions requiring prolonged static postures. <b>Objectives:</b> This study examined the influence of demographic and occupational factors on the WMSD prevalence and provides evidence-based recommendations for workplace health improvements. <b>Methods</b>: A cross-sectional study (July–September 2024) surveyed 80 office employees in Varna, Bulgaria, using the Prevent 4 Work (P4Wq) questionnaire. ANOVA and <i>t</i>-tests assessed the WMSD prevalence across demographics, while Pearson’s correlations examined associations with age, BMI, and work experience. Data were analyzed in Jamovi v.2.6 (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <b>Results</b>: The sample (92.5% women, mean age 47.2 years) reported a high WMSD prevalence, with cervical pain (88.8%), lower back pain (83.8%), and shoulder pain (75.0%) being the most common. Work experience, age, and BMI were significantly correlated with WMSD severity, while gender showed no significant associations. <b>Conclusions</b>: WMSDs are highly prevalent among office employees, with lower back, neck, and shoulder pain being the most common complaints. Factors such as higher BMI, longer work experience, and increased workload are associated with greater symptom severity. These results emphasize the urgent need for targeted workplace interventions aimed at reducing ergonomic risks, improving posture, and enhancing employee well-being, ultimately fostering a healthier and more productive work environment.https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/2/137musculoskeletal diseasesoccupational diseasesrisk factorsergonomicsoccupational exposure |
| spellingShingle | Monika S. Popova Silviya P. Nikolova Silviya I. Filkova Demographic and Occupational Determinants of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology musculoskeletal diseases occupational diseases risk factors ergonomics occupational exposure |
| title | Demographic and Occupational Determinants of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study |
| title_full | Demographic and Occupational Determinants of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study |
| title_fullStr | Demographic and Occupational Determinants of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Demographic and Occupational Determinants of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study |
| title_short | Demographic and Occupational Determinants of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study |
| title_sort | demographic and occupational determinants of work related musculoskeletal disorders a cross sectional study |
| topic | musculoskeletal diseases occupational diseases risk factors ergonomics occupational exposure |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/2/137 |
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