Prevalence of work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) and associated ergonomics risk factors among Military aircraft maintenance Personnel

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a common health problem throughout the industrialised world and a major cause of disability. This study investigates the prevalence of Work-related musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) among Military aircraft maintenance Personnel and to determine association between individual risk factors (Gender, Age, BMI, Education Level, Working Duration, years of working) with WMSDS symptoms. Forty (n=40) military aircraft maintenance Personnel were assessed for prevalence of WMSDs using Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). The effect of risk factors on WMSDs was analysed. The highest prevalence of WMSDs for the past 12 months is at shoulders and knees with percentage of 90.0% (n = 36), followed by lower back 77.5%% (n = 31), neck 70% (n = 28), wrist 62.5% (n = 25). The highest prevalence of WMSDs for the past 7 days is at shoulders with percentage of 60% and followed by neck, upper back, and lower legs 45% (n= 18). Chi square analysis for the one-week prevalence shows that there is association between age (p=0.012) and duration of services among military aircraft maintenance personnel. (p=0.008) with musculoskeletal symptoms. Age and duration of services is directly associated. It can be concluded that military aircraft maintenance personnel experience body pain and discomfort which leads to the risk of contracting
WMSDs.