Survey of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in University Employees with an Emphasis on their Physical Activity Status

The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare absence from work due to musculoskeletal disorders in male and female university employees with an emphasis on their physical activity status. The statistical population consisted of 3447 individuals (male and female) and 127 individuals who were absent from work for one day or more during the last 12 months comprised the sample of the study. The data were collect through examining the subjects’ medical records (days off), Nordic questionnaire (NMQ) and interview. The results indicated that the most prevalent musculoskeletal problem that made the employees to be absent from work was back problem. There was a significant difference in the number of days of absence from work between males and females (df=61, X2=5.42); women were more absent than men (women: 26.05 days, men: 8.48 days). Also, there was a significant difference in physical activity between men and women (df=2, X2=26.95), that is, women performed physical activity less than men. The finding of this study showed the positive effects of physical education on decreased absence from work in men. There was a significant negative relationship between the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and physical activity in both groups (men: r= -0.323, P=0.01 and women: r= -0.247, P=0.01). It can be suggested that there is a significant negative relationship between physical activity and decreased musculoskeletal disorders. More absence of women from work may be attributed to their low physical activity compared to men. Therefore, physical activity is recommended to male and female employees to reduce musculoskeletal disorders and absence from work.