Obesity and Musculoskeletal Disorders among Public Sector Bank Employees of Mangaluru Region – A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Certain professions predispose individuals to obesity and musculoskeletal disorders. Banking is one such sector where working involves sitting for prolonged times along with exposure to physical and psychosocial risk factors. Very few studies have been conducted in India in public sector bank settings, concerning these chronic conditions. This study intends to encourage further research in these areas. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and MSDs. Its objectives were to determine the association of these conditions with socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 487 employees working in PSU banks of Mangaluru region. WHO STEPS and modified Nordic questionnaire were used for this study. The participants were measured for their height and weight, using a portable stature meter and a digital weighing scale respectively. Results: The aggregate prevalence of overweight and obesity was 65.5% (20.9% for overweight and 44.6% for obesity). The prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort within the past 12 months was 57.3%. Most of the complaints were reported for the lower back (27.1%) and neck (26.9%). Conclusion: The aggregate prevalence of overweight/obesity and MSDs among the public sector bank employees of Mangaluru region was very high. Action needs to be taken at policy level. The cost of treating these chronic conditions can be very high. Risk factors need to be modified which will help to control the prevalence of obesity and MSDs.

A systematic review of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors among computer users

“…A total of 8883 respondents were participated from 14 different countries. Five studies were conducted from India [ 11 , 24 , [27] , [28] , [29] ], four from Ethiopia [ 1 , 8 , 20 , 21 ], three from Iran [ 26 , 30 , 31 ], two from China [ 25 , 32 ], two from Malaysia [ 7 , 33 ], and one study each from Bangladesh [ 4 ], Egypt [ 9 ], Saudi Arabia [ 34 ], Ghana [ 23 ], Pakistan [ 35 ], Kuwait [ 6 ], Nigeria [ 36 ], Sri Lanka [ 37 ], and Estonia [ 38 ]. The prevalence of WMSDs was obtained from all studies [ 1 , 4 , [6] , [7] , [8] , [9] , 11 , 20 , 21 , [23] , [24] , [25] , [26] , [27] , [28] , [29] , [30] , [31] , [32] , [33] , [34] , [35] , [36] , [37] , [38] ], while the data regarding to associated factors were also reported by all except two studies [ 27 , 34 ].…”

“…According to a study report, lower back pain was one of the leading MSDs among computer user employees. Among 25 studies, 12 articles reported that lower back pain was the most prevalent MSD throughout the body [ 1 , 11 , [19] , [20] , [21] , 23 , 24 , 28 , 30 , 33 , 34 , 42 ]. Upper back pain was also one of the top-listed MSDs next to lower back and neck pain [ 1 , 4 , [6] , [7] , [8] , 11 , [20] , [21] , [22] , [23] , 25 , 28 , 30 , 31 , 34 ].…”

“…Upper back pain was also one of the top-listed MSDs next to lower back and neck pain [ 1 , 4 , [6] , [7] , [8] , 11 , [20] , [21] , [22] , [23] , 25 , 28 , 30 , 31 , 34 ]. The highest prevalence of upper back pain was reported from Malaysia (64 %) [ 7 ], and the lowest was from Mangaluru, India (14.2 %) [ 19 ]. However, contrary to other studies, a China study reported that the lower back and upper back were the least affected body parts by MSDs [ 41 ] as presented in Table 2 .…”

“…Prolonged computer use [ 4 , 9 , 23 , 41 ], having older age [ 8 , 21 , 24 , 26 , 38 ] repetitive movement [ 25 , 42 ], having short rest periods [ 21 , 37 , 42 ], stress [ 1 , 11 , 20 ], having a high GHQ score [ 6 , 9 , 23 ], working in the same position for a long period of time [ 19 , 20 , 42 ], having heavy work load [ 31 , 37 ], smoking [ 24 ], extended work experience [ 20 ], lack of regular physical exercise and ergonomics training [ 8 , 21 , 33 , 41 ], poor educational status [ 41 ] and BMI(33) were significantly associated with MSDs as reported in Table 1 .…”

“…Physical exposures associated with repetitive jobs, static posture for the arms and neck, and office design [ 14 , 15 ], and psychosocial factors related to job characteristics, high quantitative job demands, having little influence on one's work situation, and limited support from coworkers or supervisors [ [16] , [17] , [18] ]. Being female, working in awkward working postures, work - related stress, prolonged computer use, repetitive motion, having longer work experience, older age, lack of physical activity, lack of ergonomics training, poor educational status, smoking, and alcohol consumption are significantly associated with WMSDs [ 1 , 4 , 9 , [19] , [20] , [21] , [22] , [23] , [24] ]. Even though a review on the prevalence of WMSDs among computer users was published, it only investigated neck and upper extremity disorders.…”