Prevalence of self- reported musculoskeletal symptoms and associated risk factors among the bank workers in some selected banks in Bangladesh

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms are one of the most common causes of illness all over the world. Many scientific studies have recommended that the bank workers who use computers are at increased risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms. However, there is no study about the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and associated risk factors among the bank workers in Bangladesh. Aim: To estimate the 12-month prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms and associated risk factors among the bank workers in some selected banks in Bangladesh. Method: There were 106 bank workers participating in this study. The Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used for identifying the one year prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms and associated risk factors. Result: In this study it was found that in the last 12 months the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in nine body regions were neck 58.4%, upper back 30.2%, lower back 60.4%, shoulders 56.6%, elbows 6.6%, wrist 17.9%, hip 3.8%, knee 16% and ankle 5.7%. Conclusion: Bangladesh is a developing country. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms are very high among bank workers here in comparison with a developed country. Lack of awareness, lack of ergonomic practices, lack of research and government funding are the factors which mostly contribute to the increase in the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms. This study can be helpful to solve these problems.