1.1 Introduction
Posture refers to the way a person holds or positions the body while sitting, standing, or performing an activity. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are health problems that affect the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and related body tissues. In the workplace, posture is important because the way workers sit and position their head, neck, shoulders, and back may place different levels of physical stress on the body. The International Labour Organization (ILO, 2021) recognizes ergonomics as an important part of creating safe and healthy work systems by matching work tasks and conditions with workers' physical abilities.
Office workers commonly spend several hours sitting at desks and using computers. Maintaining a poor or fixed posture for long periods may increase physical discomfort, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. A study among office workers reported that prolonged sitting was associated with musculoskeletal disorders, with the neck, shoulders, and back being common areas of complaint (Bukhari et al., 2022). The Central Bank of Nigeria Staff Clinic provides an appropriate setting for examining posture-related musculoskeletal problems among office workers because staff members may spend substantial periods performing desk-based duties.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the aim and objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Historically, posture-related musculoskeletal problems is closely connected with the development of occupational health and ergonomics. Posture refers to the position in which a person holds the body while sitting, standing, or carrying out an activity. Musculoskeletal disorders are conditions that affect the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and other supporting structures of the body. Among office workers, posture has become an important occupational health concern because many daily duties involve prolonged sitting, computer use, and limited physical movement. As cited by the World Health Organization (2022), musculoskeletal conditions are among the major causes of pain and disability worldwide, affecting physical functioning and quality of life. In an office environment, maintaining an uncomfortable body position for a long period may place stress on different parts of the body, particularly the neck, shoulders, lower back, wrists, and upper limbs.
Office work has changed considerably with the increased use of computers and other digital devices. Many workers now remain at their desks for several hours while typing, reading documents, attending virtual meetings, or performing administrative duties. According to Cagnie et al. (2007), prolonged computer-related work is associated with musculoskeletal complaints, particularly in the neck and upper limbs. Similarly, Coenen et al. (2018) reported that prolonged occupational sitting is associated with musculoskeletal discomfort and may contribute to problems affecting the lower back and other body regions.
Poor posture may occur when a worker bends the neck toward a computer screen, leans forward for extended periods, sits without adequate back support, raises the shoulders while typing, or maintains the same position without taking appropriate breaks. According to Waongenngarm et al. (2016), sitting posture and movement patterns are relevant factors in understanding low back discomfort among office workers. Furthermore, Swinton, Cooper, and Hancock (2017) reported that workplace interventions may improve sitting posture, although the quality of evidence concerning some interventions remains limited.
Evidence from Nigeria also shows that musculoskeletal problems are relevant among office-based workers. Ojule, Dokubo, and Ephraim-Emmanuel (2020) reported that 54.3% of staff studied in a Nigerian university had experienced musculoskeletal pain involving areas such as the head, neck, and back. The study further found a relationship between work posture and some reported pain symptoms. Similarly, Ekechukwu et al. (2019) observed that musculoskeletal complaints among Nigerian workers may be linked to occupational activities and workplace conditions.
The nature of office duties at large financial institutions makes the issue worthy of attention. Office workers may spend much of their working hours performing computer-based tasks, processing documents, communicating with colleagues, and carrying out other administrative responsibilities. According to Waersted, Hanvold, and Veiersted (2010), computer work and prolonged static positions are among the occupational factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms in office workers. Moreover, workers who continue with uncomfortable postures without changing position may experience repeated physical strain over time.
The Central Bank of Nigeria is a major financial institution with staff engaged in different administrative, professional, technical, and computer-based activities. The Central Bank of Nigeria Staff Clinic provides health services to staff and therefore represents an appropriate setting for examining health complaints associated with office work. Although musculoskeletal disorders may result from several factors, examining posture provides an opportunity to understand whether the way workers sit, stand, or position their bodies during work is associated with their reported musculoskeletal problems. As stated by Leyshon et al. (2010), ergonomic interventions in office environments are intended to improve worker comfort, safety, and productivity, although further evidence is needed to determine the effectiveness of particular interventions. This study is set against the backdrop of the need to examine how workplace posture relates to musculoskeletal disorders among office workers at the Central Bank of Nigeria Staff Clinic.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that office workers often spend long hours sitting at desks while using computers, and poor sitting posture may place unnecessary strain on the neck, shoulders, back, and other parts of the body. Prolonged awkward postures and limited movement are recognized workplace factors associated with musculoskeletal discomfort and disorders (World Health Organization, 2022).
Additionally, some workers may not recognize that simple habits such as bending the neck for long periods, sitting without proper back support, or maintaining one position for too long may contribute to physical discomfort. Additionally, these problems may affect comfort and the ability to work effectively.
Furthermore, musculoskeletal disorders among office workers may present as back pain, neck pain, shoulder discomfort, stiffness, and other physical complaints. The risk may increase where workstations are poorly arranged or where workers have limited opportunities to change position during working hours (International Labour Organization, 2020). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to assess the influence of posture on musculoskeletal disorders among office workers at the Central Bank of Nigeria Staff Clinic.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to assess the influence of posture on musculoskeletal disorders among office workers at the Central Bank of Nigeria Staff Clinic.
The specific objectives of this research are to:
- Examine the common postures adopted by office workers at the Central Bank of Nigeria Staff Clinic.
- Identify the common musculoskeletal disorders experienced by the office workers.
- Determine the relationship between workers' posture and musculoskeletal disorders.
- Identify workplace factors associated with poor posture among the office workers.
- Examine measures used to prevent or reduce posture-related musculoskeletal disorders among the office workers.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What are the common postures adopted by office workers at the Central Bank of Nigeria Staff Clinic?
- What are the common musculoskeletal disorders experienced by the office workers?
- What relationship exists between workers' posture and musculoskeletal disorders?
- What workplace factors are associated with poor posture among the office workers?
- What measures are used to prevent or reduce posture-related musculoskeletal disorders among the office workers?
1.6 Research Hypotheses
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between the common postures adopted by office workers and the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders at the Central Bank of Nigeria Staff Clinic.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between the common postures adopted by office workers and the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders at the Central Bank of Nigeria Staff Clinic.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: There is no significant association between workplace factors and poor posture among office workers at the Central Bank of Nigeria Staff Clinic.
- H1: There is a significant association between workplace factors and poor posture among office workers at the Central Bank of Nigeria Staff Clinic.
Hypothesis Three
- H0: There is no significant relationship between preventive measures and the occurrence of posture-related musculoskeletal disorders among office workers.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between preventive measures and the occurrence of posture-related musculoskeletal disorders among office workers.
1.7 Significance of the Study
The outcome of this research will provide clear information on the common postures and musculoskeletal problems experienced by office workers at the Central Bank of Nigeria Staff Clinic. The study will also provide useful evidence for improving workplace practices that address posture-related musculoskeletal problems.
Furthermore, the result obtained will provide useful evidence for planning posture education, ergonomic awareness, and preventive workplace activities. It will also improve workers' understanding of proper sitting posture, workstation arrangement, and the importance of changing position during long periods of office work.
Lastly, the findings will serve as a useful reference for students and researchers studying posture, ergonomics, and occupational health.
1.8 Scope of Study
The study focuses on office workers attending the Central Bank of Nigeria Staff Clinic in Lagos State, Nigeria. It covers their common working postures, musculoskeletal complaints, workplace factors affecting posture, the relationship between posture and musculoskeletal disorders, and preventive measures.
The study is limited to office workers within the selected Central Bank of Nigeria setting and does not cover workers in other organizations.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Posture:
Posture refers to the position or alignment of the body while a person is sitting, standing, or performing an activity. Proper posture helps maintain appropriate body alignment and reduce unnecessary physical strain (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 2020).
Musculoskeletal Disorders:
Musculoskeletal disorders are health conditions affecting the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and related body structures. They may cause pain, stiffness, weakness, or difficulty in movement (World Health Organization, 2022).
Office Workers:
Office workers are employees whose duties mainly involve administrative, clerical, professional, computer-based, or other desk-related activities.
Poor Posture:
Poor posture refers to an improper body position maintained during work, such as excessive bending, forward head positioning, slouching, or inadequate back support.
Ergonomics:
Ergonomics is the process of designing work, equipment, and the workplace to suit the physical and other capabilities of workers, thereby promoting safety, comfort, and effective performance (International Labour Organization, 2021).
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