Affiliations: [a]
School of Medicine, Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| [b]
Psychosocial Injuries Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Science, Ilam, Iran
| [c]
Department of Ergonomics, Faculty of Health, Work Health Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| [d]
Research Center in Emergency and Disaster Health, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| [e]
Department of Ergonomics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| [f]
Occupational and Environmental Health Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Mohsen Poursadeghiyan, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Research Center in Emergency and Disaster Health, Department of Ergonomics, School of Rehabilitation, Kodakyar Ave., Daneshjo Blvd., Evin, 1985713834, Tehran, Iran. Tel./Fax: +98 21 22180119; E-mail: mo.poursadeghiyan@uswr.ac.ir.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) is crucial as they jeopardize the well-being of the workforce in workplaces and are prevalent in developed and developing countries. OBJECTIVE:This study aimed to determine the prevalence of WRMSDs among Iranian workers. METHODS:A systematic review and meta-analysis of WRMSDs in Iran was performed by searching relevant keywords in authentic databases and search engines such as SID, Google Scholar, Medlib and PubMed. Twenty-seven published articles in the field of WRMSDs from 2001 to 2010 were searched. Meta-analysis and random effects approach were used to analyze data. Heterogeneity investigation of articles was done using I2 index. RESULTS:The total sample size was 6,090 workers with a mean of 225 samples per study. The upper and lower back had the highest prevalence rate of self-reported WRMSDs with 38.1% (95% CI: 29.9–46.4), and 50% (95% CI: 42.5–57.5), respectively. Also, knee had the highest prevalence among lower extremity disorders with 42.1% prevalence rate (95% CI:35.1–49.1). CONCLUSIONS:A high prevalence of WRMSDs in upper and lower limbs was reported in Iran. Trainings with regard to occupational ergonomics and industrial hygiene programs were recommended for minimizing the work-related risks of musculoskeletal disorders.
Keywords: Upper limbs, lower limbs, injuries, back pain
