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Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Associated With Non-ergonomic Seating Designs Among Health Sciences Students

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have become an emerging health concern among university students due to prolonged sitting in poorly designed, non-ergonomic classroom and laboratory furniture. Such mismatches between student anthropometry and furniture dimensions contribute to poor posture, placing undue strain on muscles, tendons, joints, and spinal structures, thereby increasing the risk of discomfort, pain, and long-term health complications. Understanding the impact of furniture design on MSD prevalence is essential for improving student well-being and academic performance. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders associated with non-ergonomic furniture designs among undergraduate health sciences students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months (August 2021 to December 2021) with a total sample size of 256 students, equally distributed between Bahria University Medical and Dental College (BUMDC; n=128) and Bahria University Karachi Campus (BUKC; n=128). Participants were recruited through non-probability convenient sampling, and eligibility included male and female students aged 18–25 years. Data were collected using the Nordic Body Map Questionnaire to record musculoskeletal symptoms across nine body regions, along with anthropometric measurements and Body Mass Index (BMI) categorization. Furniture dimensions were measured using a flexible tape and compared with international ergonomic standards. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0, with descriptive and inferential statistics applied, considering p<0.05 as significant. Results: Neck pain was the most prevalent musculoskeletal complaint, reported by 97 students (75.8%) at BUMDC and 116 students (90.6%) at BUKC (p<0.05). Significant associations were observed between seating design and average sitting duration in classrooms (p=0.000) and laboratories (p=0.041). The prevalence of MSDs was consistently higher among students of BUKC compared to BUMDC. Other regions such as shoulders, upper back, and lower back also showed high frequencies of discomfort, although these did not reach statistical significance (p>0.05). Conclusion: The study concluded that non-ergonomic furniture design is a significant contributor to musculoskeletal disorders among health sciences students, with neck pain being the most commonly affected region. These findings highlight the urgent need for ergonomic interventions in academic institutions to reduce MSD burden and enhance student comfort and productivity.

Source: Insights-Journal of Health and Rehabilitation

DOI: 10.71000/rvgfbn78

Authors: Shahtaj Shabbir, Sumayya Sarfraz, Sarmeen, Seyyada Tahniat Ali, Syeda Rida Baqir

Institution: Bahria University

Language: English

Topic: Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Bahria University