Musculoskeletal disorders and associated disabilities among bank workers

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most common health problems encountered in the workplace around the globe leading to disabling conditions there by reducing human performance and subsequently quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of MSDs and associated disabilities and also to identify the risk factors responsible for their occurrence among bank workers in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, India. Methods: Annual prevalence of MSD was determined through a cross sectional survey from a sample of 300 bank workers. A pre-validated questionnaire adopted from modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and 12 Item General Health Questionnaire was used to obtain information about participant’s demographic characteristics, job characteristics, psychosocial stress, musculoskeletal impairments and the resulting disability in different body regions. Data was obtained from the participant’s at their respective working places in Kancheepuram for a period of 1 month.Results: Annual prevalence of 33.8% was observed for the MSD, with a disability rate of 8.5%.The body region mostly affected was the lower back (51.8%) followed by the neck (48.2%), shoulder (40.2%) and upper back (39.6%). In terms of disability, the same pattern was noted with rates for the lower back, neck, shoulder and upper back being 18.9%, 13.4%, 11.6% and 9.1% respectively. The risk factors identified as being responsible for MSD were job tenure, psychosocial stress, and female sex while those responsible for the disabilities were job tenure and psychosocial stress.Conclusion: Low prevalence of MSDs and associated disabilities was observed.