Musculoskeletal disorders in relation to computer workstation ergonomics and sleep quality among university employees

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most common work-related health problems and are frequently associated with prolonged sitting, poor computer workstation ergonomics, and inadequate sleep. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MSD complaints and examine their associations with computer workstation ergonomics and sleep quality among employees at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2024 and April 2025 among 460 university employees selected using a multistage cluster random sampling technique. Data were collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the National Institutes of Health Computer Workstation Ergonomic Self-Assessment Checklist, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 27. MSDs were highly prevalent, with the low back (65.9%), neck (65.0%), shoulders (57.2%), and upper back (46.3%) being the most commonly affected body regions, whereas the elbows were the least affected (16.7%). Male employees had significantly lower odds of hip pain (odds ratio [OR] = 0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07-0.66) and ankle pain (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.13-0.90) than female employees. Compared with employees from the College of Arts and Humanities, those from the College of Science had significantly higher odds of wrist pain (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.07-4.20), elbow pain (OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.09-5.53), and ankle pain (OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.15-5.33). Poor sleep quality was independently associated with increased odds of neck pain (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.24), upper-back pain (OR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.08-5.67), and knee pain (OR = 4.28, 95% CI: 1.70-10.80). In addition, poor workstation ergonomics were independently associated with several MSDs after adjustment for potential confounders. MSDs were highly prevalent among university employees and were independently associated with poor workstation ergonomics and poor sleep quality. These findings highlight the importance of implementing workplace ergonomic interventions and employee wellness programs to reduce the burden of MSDs. Future longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of ergonomic and sleep-related interventions and to further investigate the contributions of occupational stress and screen time to MSD risk.