Evaluation Of Ergonomic Risk And Its Prevalence In Osteoarticular Symptoms In The Administrative Staff Of A Municipal Decentralized Autonomous Government Of Imbabura – 2024

Abstract

Exposure of administrative staff to ergonomic risk can lead to the development of osteomyoarticular symptoms. The present study aims to evaluate the ergonomic risk and the prevalence of osteoarticular symptoms in the administrative staff of the Municipal Decentralized Autonomous Government of Imbabura. This study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional design to assess 64 administrative employees in November 2024. The participants were evaluated using the Standardized Nordic questionnaire to determine the prevalence of osteoarticular discomforts, and the ROSA method was used to assess the level of ergonomic risk. The Chi-square and Pearson correlation tests were used for statistical analysis. The results obtained indicate a high prevalence of discomfort at the neck (67.2%), lower back, and hand/wrist (43.8% respectively), with a very high level of ergonomic risk in 50% of administrative staff and a high level in 40.6% of them. A statistically significant relationship between ergonomic risk and osteoarticular discomfort (p > 0.05) was not found; however, a weak correlation was observed between neck discomfort and ergonomic risk (p=0.071). For this reason, it is important to take preventive ergonomic measures such as training, active breaks, or some type of occupational gymnastics program, as well as readjustment of workstations, to mitigate the identified risks.