Role of Ergonomics Knowledge and Practice For Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Healthcare Workers in Pakistan

Background: Healthcare workers commonly develop musculoskeletal disorders due to prolonged standing, repetitive movements, patient handling, and poor posture. In Pakistan, this burden is worsened by limited ergonomic awareness and inadequate workplace safety measures, increasing occupational health risks among healthcare professionals. Objective: To assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare professionals in Pakistan and examine their association with ergonomic knowledge, daily practices, and factors contributing to poor ergonomic understanding, and evaluate its effects on knowledge and practice. Methodology: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 150 healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists) from tertiary care hospitals in Lahore and Karachi. Participants were divided into intervention and control groups. Baseline musculoskeletal disorders were assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, while ergonomic knowledge and practices were measured with a structured tool. The intervention group received ergonomic training, whereas the control group continued routine practices. Post-intervention assessment was done after 8–12 weeks. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Paired and independent t-tests, chi-square test, and multivariable regression were applied, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was 74.7%. The lower back was the most affected region (48%), followed by the upper back (36%), neck (34%), shoulders (32%), and elbows (18%). Around 59% of participants demonstrated low ergonomic knowledge, and 34% reported poor practices. A significant association was found between musculoskeletal disorders and low knowledge (p = 0.002) as well as poor practices (p=0.041). Factors associated with poor knowledge included longer work experience (OR=1.8; 95% CI: 1.01–3.2), lack of formal ergonomics training (OR=3.2; 95% CI: 1.7–6.1), and poor practices (OR=1.7; 95% CI: 1.1–2.8). Conclusion: Musculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among healthcare professionals in Pakistan, particularly affecting the lower back. Poor ergonomic knowledge is associated with inadequate training, work exposure, and unsafe practices, highlighting the need for improved ergonomic education and workplace interventions in healthcare settings.