Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Associate Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science in Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
2 MSc. Student, Department of Knowledge and Information Science in Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science in Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in librarians based on the work conditions and its relationship with burnout, job stress and job motivation among public libraries in Kermanshah province. In order to achieve this goal, the research focused on the following three hypotheses: (1) Librarians of public libraries in Kermanshah province have a high rate of musculoskeletal disorders; (2) There is a significant relationship between musculoskeletal disorders based on heavy workstation conditions and burnout in librarians of public libraries in Kermanshah province; There is a significant relationship between musculoskeletal disorders based on heavy workstation conditions and job stress in librarians of public libraries in Kermanshah province.
Methodology: This research is of survey-descriptive type. The statistical population of this study included all librarians working in 51 public libraries of Kermanshah province, whose total number was reported to be 170 people. Using Cochran's formula, 118 people were selected as a sample by proportional stratified random sampling. Four standard questionnaires were used to collect data. The first research instrument was the standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire, which examines nine anatomical areas of the body, including the neck, shoulders, elbows, hands and wrists, back, waist, thighs, knees, feet, and ankles. It also emphasizes whether these discomforts have caused the person to quit or be unable to work. The second instrument was the Maslach burnout inventory, which measures the three dimensions of emotional fatigue, depersonalization, and feelings of inefficiency. The third instrument was HSE (The Health and Safety Executive) work stress questionnaire, which measures the 7 components of role, communication, support of officials, support of colleagues, control, demand and changes in employees. Finally, the fourth tool was Maslow's job motivation questionnaire, which includes 5 subscales of feeling safe, social belonging, feeling respect, feeling independent, and feeling self-fulfilling. Data were analyzed using logistic regression correlation coefficient and chi-square test.
Findings: The results showed that the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was in the lumbar region, back area, neck area, hip or thigh area, respectively, and the lowest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was reported in the knee, shoulder, wrist area, and elbow area. The study of the relationship between burnout and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the neck, back, buttocks, shoulders, elbows and wrists showed that there is a significant and negative correlation between job stress and the prevalence of these disorders in the buttocks. Moreover, there is also a significant and negative correlation between job motivation and the prevalence of these disorders in the neck, back and shoulders. The value of odds ratio in these areas also shows that for each unit of increase in job motivation score, the probability of neck disorders (47%) and back and shoulders (53%) decreases.
Discussion: According to the results of the present study, musculoskeletal disorders have a high frequency among employees of public libraries in Kermanshah province. In this regard, ergonomic intervention programs in the workplace seem to be essential. According to the results of this study, it is suggested that employees be provided with training on ergonomic principles of work in the workplace. In addition, due to the direct relationship between the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and burnout and job stress, it is suggested that public library administrators take appropriate measures to reduce the pressure on the individual and create positive entertainment, work safety training and programs. Increase retraining, increase individual and organizational productivity. In addition, it is recommended to prevent musculoskeletal disorders by examining appropriate work tools and how they are adapted to individual characteristics and designing a suitable workstation for librarians. According to the results of the present study, this measure will eventually lead to a reduction in occupational depression. Also, public library managers, if they have enough information about risk factors in job stress and musculoskeletal disorders related to work, will be able to establish proper communication with staff and create a suitable work environment for them to continue their stress-free activities. As a result, the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders is somewhat reduced. Also, due to the inverse relationship between job motivation and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, it is suggested that managers in order to increase job motivation, pay enough attention to improving the salary situation, rewards and job promotion. Library administrators are also encouraged to relocate librarians working in the overcrowded sections of the library. The use of occupational health consultants in the field of providing work equipment (especially computer equipment) and the use of software that appears on the computer screen at a specific time and reminds to perform soft movements are other effective suggestions in preventing musculoskeletal disorders.
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