Psychosocial and ergonomics risk factors related to neck, shoulder and back complaints among Malaysia office workers

Abstract

Office workers are susceptible to physical health due to the nature of their work. It is therefore, the aim of this study to investigate the association between psychosocial and ergonomics risk factors and neck, shoulder and back complaints among office workers. A total number of 630 office workers participated in this study. The results showed that decision latitude was significantly correlated with shoulder [OR: 1.07 (1.00 – 1.15)] and back [OR: 1.12 (1.04 – 1.20)] complaints. The longer time spent sitting and keying were significantly correlated with neck [OR: 1.21 (1.05 – 1.39)] and back [OR: 1.23 (1.06 – 1.42)] [OR: 0.88 (0.78 – 1.99)] complaints. Working overtime was also related with back complaints [OR: 1.43 (1.01 – 2.03)]. It is suggested that workers should schedule their break and stretching exercise in between tasks to prevent future overuse injury.