title: Educational intervention for reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders and promoting productivity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are the main causes of pain, suffering, absenteeism, disability and reduction in productivity. This research aims to determine the role of training intervention based on protection motivation theory in reducing WMSDs and promoting productivity.
  
  
  METHODS
  The conducted study was based on a quasi-experimental design (control) that was carried out on 158 employees of the Kabl Khodro factory which were divided into two groups of 79 people. After splitting the 158 workers, an experimental and control group was formed. The data collection instruments were made up of two questionnaires and were analysed using a quick exposure check (QEC) method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Before intervention in both the experimental and control groups, there were no significant differences among the average protection motivation theory constructs, productivity and QEC scores (p < 0.05). However, following training intervention there was a significant increase in these factors within the investigated group apart from the perceived response costs and efficacy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The conducted study shows that ergonomic training based on the protection motivation theory is effective in reducing musculoskeletal risk factors and that increased knowledge of the subject can lead to an increase in productivity.
authors.affiliation: a Iran University of Medical Sciences , Iran.
authors.forename: Fatemeh
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Abareshi
authors.affiliation: a Iran University of Medical Sciences , Iran.
authors.forename: Rasoul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Yarahmadi
authors.affiliation: a Iran University of Medical Sciences , Iran.
authors.forename: Mahnaz
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Solhi
authors.affiliation: a Iran University of Medical Sciences , Iran.
authors.forename: Ali Asghar
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Farshad
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004526:Efficiency; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000193:education*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: ergonomic training; productivity; protection motivation theory; work-related musculoskeletal disorders