Prevalence and predictors for musculoskeletal discomfort in Malaysian office workers: Investigating explanatory
Ismail Maakip1, Tessa Keegel2, Jodi Oakman3
1Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia; Faculty of Psychology & Education, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major occupational health issue for workers in developed and developing countries, including Malaysia. Most research related to MSDs has been undertaken in developed countries; given the different regulatory and cultural practices it is plausible that contributions of hazard and risk factors may be different. A population of Malaysian public service office workers were surveyed (N = 417, 65.5% response rate) to determine prevalence and associated predictors of MSD discomfort. The 6-month period prevalence of MSD discomfort was 92.8% (95%CI = 90.2-95.2%). Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) analyses was used to compare a range of models and determine a model of best fit. Contributions associated with MSD discomfort in the final model consisted of physical demands (61%), workload (14%), gender (13%), work-home balance (9%) and psychosocial factors (3%). Factors associated with MSD discomfort were similar in developed and developing countries but the relative contribution of factors was different, providing insight into future development of risk management strategies.
Insights
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are highly prevalent among Malaysian office workers, affecting 92.8%. Physical demands were the leading cause, followed by workload and gender, highlighting unique risk factors in developing nations.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
- Public Health
Background:
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a significant occupational health challenge globally, with distinct contributing factors potentially arising from varied regulatory and cultural contexts.
- Existing research on MSDs predominantly originates from developed nations, necessitating studies in developing countries like Malaysia to understand localized risk factor contributions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort among Malaysian public service office workers.
- To identify the key predictors and associated risk factors contributing to MSD discomfort within this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was administered to 417 Malaysian public service office workers, achieving a 65.5% response rate.
- Statistical modeling, including Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) analysis, was employed to identify the best-fit model for MSD discomfort predictors.
Main Results:
- A high 6-month period prevalence of 92.8% for MSD discomfort was observed.
- The primary contributors to MSD discomfort were physical demands (61%), workload (14%), gender (13%), work-home balance (9%), and psychosocial factors (3%).
Conclusions:
- While the factors contributing to MSD discomfort are broadly similar across developed and developing countries, their relative importance differs significantly.
- These findings offer crucial insights for tailoring occupational health strategies and risk management interventions for office workers in Malaysia and similar economies.
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