Prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among undergraduate students

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a typical cause of pain and physical disability, with a high commonness in educational environments. During the learning process, students spend most of their time sitting. Static conditions of the body for a long time and poor posture coupled with insufficient ergonomics in the work environment can increase the body's susceptibility to musculoskeletal disorders. This literature review aimed to know the musculoskeletal disorders that university students undergo.

Methods: The research method used in this paper was a literature review study utilizing secondary data from studies related to musculoskeletal disorders in university students. Journal searches were carried out on the PubMed, Google Scholar, and SpringerLink databases using the keywords "Musculoskeletal Disorders," "Musculoskeletal Pain," "University Student," and "Factors Associated with MSDs."

Results: The study reviewed multiple articles, ultimately selecting six that met the inclusion criteria. The research revealed that students frequently experience MSDs during classroom learning, particularly in the lower back, neck, and shoulders. The occurrence of these symptoms is strongly linked to factors such as workplace ergonomics, individual characteristics, and a combination of organizational and psychosocial influences. These findings highlight the significant impact of physical and behavioral factors and broader organizational elements on the development of MSDs in students.

Conclusion: This review has found that musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent among university students, with complaints of the lower back, shoulders, and neck as the most frequently reported sources of pain.