Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Mental Workload, General Health, and Occupational Stress Among Office Employees

Objectives: Administrative employees are often at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders due to prolonged computer use. Additionally, frequent interactions with clients expose them to a high mental workload and job stress. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, mental workload, general health, and job stress among administrative employees to improve their working conditions. Methods: The present work followed a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical method and was conducted on the administrative employees of an engineering company in 2021. Finally, 119 individuals participated in the study using the census method. Demographic information questionnaires, as well as Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA), Cornell, NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and Health and Safety Executive (HSE)-UK job stress checklists were used to collect data. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software, employing descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: According to the posture assessment with the ROSA method, the average final ROSA score was 4.33±1.03. Examination of mental load with the NASA-TLX indicated that 78% had a high mental load. In addition, according to the GHQ questionnaire, the average final general health score was 24.4±11.73. Moreover, based on the HSE-UK occupational stress questionnaire, more than 80% (103 people) of employees were under severe stress, and 12% (15 people) were under critical stress. A significant relationship was observed between occupational stress, body mass index (BMI), and age (P<0.05). Conclusion: The implementation of intervention and control measures to improve musculoskeletal disorders, workload, general health, and job stress seems to be essential.