The Prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Ergonomics Practices in Different Cities of Bangladesh among House Helps

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) are disorders in which the working environment and performance play a substantial role in the development of the condition. Housemaids perform a variety of home tasks which are frequently performed in inefficient postures over time, predispose the housemaids to a variety of musculoskeletal problems. Objectives: To roll out the prevalence, diversity, extent and remedies of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of housemaids in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 300 housemaids aged 18 to 65 from several cities in Bangladesh. They were selected by a purposive sampling method. The Nordic Questionnaire was employed to evaluate work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The Ovako Working Posture Assessment System (OWAS) was employed to assess working posture. Results: The Independent Samples T-test was conducted to assess the significance of age, BMI, and working experience in relation to pain or discomfort in various body regions. Age demonstrated significant associations with pain in the neck, shoulder, wrist or hand, upper back, lower back, hip or thigh and knee. No significant association was found between BMI and any pain or discomfort. The total working experience of housemaids showed a significant association with pain or discomfort experienced in the last 12 months in various areas, including the neck, shoulder, wrist or hand, upper back, lower back, thigh, and knee. Conclusion: The housemaids are suffering from regional pain which are related with their age and working experience. Their working postures exhibit issues that require rectification. Numerous tasks must be undertaken to enhance the working environment. J Com Med Col Teachers’ Asso July 2026; 30(2): 93-98