[Study Of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among The Secretaries Of The Yopougon University Hospital Center - Ivory Coast]

Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common occupational disease in the world. They constitute a major health problem.

A cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of three months involving the secretaries of the Yopougon University Hospital. The data were collected using a questionnaire inspired by the National Research and Security Institute (INRS) questionnaire.

The study found an exclusively female population with an average age of 40.6 years ± 8.6, mostly overweight or obese (71%). Almost half of the secretaries had more than ten years of seniority in the post (44.7%) and the absence of an ergonomic chair was noted in 84% of cases. In this population of 38 secretaries, the prevalence of MSDs was 89.5% with pain as the main symptom (89.5%). The preferred locations for MSDs were the dorsolumbar spine (78.9%) and the cervical spine (57.9%). The study showed a predominance of MSDs in the following populations: overweight secretaries (63.1%); more than ten years in the post (39.6%); poor working posture (68.4%); the use of a non-ergonomic seat (81.6%).

Musculoskeletal disorders are common among secretaries. They are associated with many factors. It is imperative to implement preventive measures to reduce their risk of occurrence.