Prevalence and predictors for musculoskeletal discomfort in Malaysian office workers: Investigating explanatory factors for a developing country.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major occupational health issue for workers in developed and developing countries, including Malaysia. Most research related to MSDs has been undertaken in developed countries; given the different regulatory and cultural practices it is plausible that contributions of hazard and risk factors may be different. A population of Malaysian public service office workers were surveyed (N = 417, 65.5% response rate) to determine prevalence and associated predictors of MSD discomfort. The 6-month period prevalence of MSD discomfort was 92.8% (95%CI = 90.2-95.2%). Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) analyses was used to compare a range of models and determine a model of best fit. Contributions associated with MSD discomfort in the final model consisted of physical demands (61%), workload (14%), gender (13%), work-home balance (9%) and psychosocial factors (3%). Factors associated with MSD discomfort were similar in developed and developing countries but the relative contribution of factors was different, providing insight into future development of risk management strategies.
Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia; Faculty of Psychology & Education, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Electronic address: imaakip@students.latrobe.edu.au.
Ismail
I
Maakip
Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia; Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia. Electronic address: T.Keegel@latrobe.edu.au.
Tessa
T
Keegel
Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia. Electronic address: J.Oakman@latrobe.edu.au.
Jodi
J
Oakman
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006077:Government Agencies; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D059352:Musculoskeletal Pain / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005082:Physical Exertion; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016526:Workload; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
Discomfort; Musculoskeletal disorders; Office workers; Prevalence rate; Risk