The Relationship between Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders among Librarians in Zabol City in 2013

Today, the increasing prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders has become a major health concern in all societies. Unpleasant working conditions are among the main causes of musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, this study was performed with the purpose to evaluate the relationship between ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders, induced by working conditions, among librarians in Zabol city, Iran, in 2013. This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 51 librarians in Zabol city in 2013. Data were collected by Standardized Nordic Questionnaire and a checklist of library ergonomics. Data analysis was performed by SPSS version 18, and descriptive and inferential statistical methods were applied. The obtained results showed that library ergonomics are not satisfactory in Zabol city; also, neck pain accounted for the majority of musculoskeletal disorders (56.9%). Moreover, there were significant relationships between the upper back pain and body posture (P=0.003), lower back pain and body posture (P=0.008), neck pain and body posture (P=0.002), and thigh pain and the type of work (p=0.045). The results showed that ergonomics have significant impacts on musculoskeletal disorders (back, thigh, and neck pain) and one’s physical health.