Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among civil servants attending healthcare facilities in Bangladesh: An observational cross-sectional study
Mohammad Muhibbur Rahman, Md Mahdi Hasan, Md Aminul Islam, Md Masud Rana, MA Shakoor, Md Shafayat HossainBackground
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major occupational health concern worldwide, significantly affecting employees’ well-being and productivity. Government employees in Bangladesh are particularly vulnerable to WMSDs due to the sedentary or repetitive nature of their work (e.g., prolonged computer use, repetitive typing, and manual mechanical tasks).
Objective
This study aimed to determine the clinical distribution, patterns, and associated factors of WMSDs among government employees in Bangladesh and evaluate the subjective impact on workers’ productivity and quality of life.
Methods
A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Government Employees Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Participants were recruited using consecutive sampling from government employees attending the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Department. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests via R software) were used to examine the distribution of conditions like low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder. Productivity and quality of life were assessed through structured clinical interviews, while demographic characteristics, work type, and employment grade were analyzed to identify associated factors.
Results
Nonspecific low back pain was the most prevalent condition (27.23%), particularly among retired employees (34.62%) and sedentary workers (26.97%). Knee osteoarthritis (10.81%) and cervical spondylosis (8.97%) were more common among older and dynamic workers. The most commonly affected sites were the lower back (43.73%), knees, shoulders, and neck. Disease patterns varied significantly by age, and government service grade.
Conclusion
The high proportion of diagnosed cases among Bangladeshi government employees underscores the need for interventions including ergonomic modifications, regular health assessments, and early screening strategies to reduce WMSD impact and inform public sector health policies.