Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence and predictors of musculoskeletal problems in desk job workers.

Musculoskeletal disorders were commonly reported by office workers worldwide. At the same time the duration of computer work in a modern occupational setting has increased dramatically. On work process, most of the desk job workers have pain in their neck, back region and even abnormal posture may also occur sometimes. The risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders was higher among workers who have a high work strain and muscle tension. Awareness and knowledge of the relationship between computer usage and musculoskeletal disorders are essential to prevent before it could progressed.

This is a observational study of survey method includes a total of 100 subjects who are selected between the age group of 30 to 40 years among the desk job workers based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data regarding the musculoskeletal problem were collected using the Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain questionnaire, Patient Health questionnaire (PHQ) and Cornell Musculoskeletal disorder questionnaire.

On comparing the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among desk job workers, the collected data shows that the prevalence of neck pain with 47% and shoulder pain with 28% is more than the other sites like lower back, upper back, elbow, knee, leg and ankle.

This study concluded that desk job workers are more prone to neck pain than comparing to pain at any other sites.