PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF NECK PAIN AMONG OFFICE WORKERS IN DHAKA CITY
Main Article Content
Keywords
Neck pain, office workers, ergonomics, physical activity, musculoskeletal disorders, Bangladesh
Abstract
Neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal complaint among office workers, contributing significantly to disability and reduced productivity. Despite its global burden, limited data are available regarding its prevalence and associated factors in Bangladesh.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of neck pain and identify associated occupational, ergonomic, and lifestyle-related risk factors among office workers in Dhaka city.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2019 to June 2020 at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 280 office workers were recruited using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of neck pain.
Results: The 12-month prevalence of neck pain among participants was 32.5%. Multivariable analysis revealed that female gender (AOR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.07–3.16), working ≥8 hours/day (AOR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.06–3.63), poor ergonomic conditions (AOR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.38–4.28), and physical inactivity (AOR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.01–2.91) were independently associated with neck pain. No significant associations were observed with BMI or smoking status. Conclusion: Neck pain poses a considerable occupational health concern among office workers in Dhaka. Interventions targeting ergonomic improvements, reduction of prolonged working hours, promotion of physical activity, and gender-sensitive workplace modifications are essential for prevention and management. Further longitudinal studies are recommended to evaluate the long-term impact of these strategies.
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Md. Imamur Rashid
Consultant, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh.
Mohammad Golam Nobi
Medical Officer, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh.
Nadia Rahman
Consultant, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh.
Abul Kalam Azad
Medical Officer, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh.
Ziaur Rahman Chowdhury
Research Assistant, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh.
Md. Taslim Uddin
Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh.