700 Section - Pattern of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among the government employees of Bangladesh

Objectives : This study aimed to determine the prevalence, patterns, and associated risk factors of WMSDs among government employees in Bangladesh and to assess their impact on productivity and quality of life.

Design:

A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Government Employees Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected from 3,867 government employees through medical record review, structured interviews, and clinical examinations between January 2020 and December 2023. The study examined the prevalence of conditions such as nonspecific low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder, and other inflammatory and non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders. Demographic characteristics, work type, and employment grade were analyzed to identify associated factors.

Results:

Nonspecific low back pain was the most prevalent condition (27.23%), particularly among retired employees (34.62%) and sedentary workers (26.97%). Knee osteoarthritis (10.81%) and cervical spondylosis (8.97%) were more common among older and dynamically active workers. Other inflammatory (20.87%) and non-inflammatory disorders (9.31%) were frequent in mixed (sedentary + manual labor) roles. The most commonly affected sites were the lower back (43.73%), knees, shoulders, and neck. Disease patterns varied significantly by age, work type, and government service grade.

Conclusion:

The high prevalence of WMSDs among Bangladeshi government employees underscores the need for targeted interventions such as ergonomic modifications, regular health assessments, and workplace awareness programs. These strategies are essential for improving occupational health, preventing disability, and maintaining productivity in the public sector workforce.