Factors associated with neck shoulders back and knees discomfort in staff of Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat University

Abstract

This research aimed to study factors associated with neck shoulders back and knees discomfort in the staff of Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat University. The study is a cross-sectional analysis study.  Data were collected by a questionnaire. The sample was 219 people from simple random sampling.

Results show that the factors most associated with neck discomfort were working with high stress (OR = 2.71) next sit and work for a long time more than half of the working time (OR = 2.70). The factor most associated with shoulder discomfort was stooping or bending while working (Left shoulder OR = 2.34, Right shoulder OR = 2.14) and lifting that is too large and does not have a handle or difficult to carry (Left shoulder OR = 2.31, Right shoulder OR = 2.72). The factor most associated with upper back discomfort was weight loading to one side or usually in an unbalanced position (OR = 2.30). The factors most associated with lower back discomfort were gaze, concentration, use eyes for a long time (OR = 5.36) and sit and work for a long time more than half of the working time (OR = 2.44). The factors most associated with knee discomfort were older than 50 years old compared to younger than 30 years old (OR = 3.75) and weight loading to one side or usually in an unbalanced position (OR = 3.16).

Therefore, the university’s staff should always change body posture, don’t keep the body in an unbalanced position, avoid eyes using too long time, and should not lift heavy objects. In addition, exercises and stretching are recommended to prevent the discomfort of the neck, shoulders, knees, and reducing this symptom.