Work-related risk factors for neck pain among library professionals in academic libraries

The prevalence of work-related neck pain among library professionals is much higher than in the general population. The costs to the worker, employer and society associated with work-related neck pain are considerable and escalating. The factors that place library professionals at greater risk of developing neck pain are not clearly understood. The present study was conducted to survey the incidence and risk factors of work-related neck pain among library professionals in academic libraries in and around Chennai. The prevalence of neck pain among library professionals was 56%. Those working in the circulation section expressed the incidence more than those working in other sections. Gender-wise analysis revealed that females suffered more neck pain compared to males. Wrong neck posture was the main risk factor for neck pain followed by inadequate breaks, presence of psychological distress, increased duration of daily sitting at work and being female. Studies such as the present one can be useful for identification of factors that predict neck pain incidence among library professionals that would be critical in the provision of preventative workplace interventions and formulation of occupational health and safety policies covering library professionals.