The Effect of Musculoskeletal System Disorders in Female Office Workers

Abstract

Objectives. This study aimed to analyze the effects of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) on the work performance, musculoskeletal fitness and quality of life of female office workers employed at a university. Methods. MSDs were evaluated in different body regions with the Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire (CMDQ), job performance with the work role functioning questionnaire (WRFQ), musculoskeletal fitness with the musculoskeletal fitness battery (MFB) and quality of life with the short form-12 quality of life questionnaire (SF-12). Results. There was a significant weak correlation between job performance and lower back pain (LBP) (r = −0.21, p = 0.01). There were significant weak to moderate negative correlations between quality of life and CMDQ pain scores for each body part except the back, lower back and hip. There was a significant difference between those who always went to work and those who missed work for 10 days or more only in terms of LBP and hip pain scores (p = 0.008, p = 0.002). Conclusion. Musculoskeletal pain negatively impacts employees’ quality of life and work performance. Neck and extremity pain reduce office workers’ quality of life, while LBP and hip pain can affect work performance and lead to absenteeism.