Musculoskeletal Disorders and its Related Risk Factors among Students of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences

Background: Since students spend a lot of time in classrooms and in steady state, many of them may experience signs of musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and its related risk factors among students. Methods: This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted among 129 students of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in 2016. In order to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, Nordic questionnaire was used. The relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors was evaluated in SPSS20 software. Results: The highest incidence of musculoskeletal discomfort (80%) was observed in the waist area. The neck (38.3%) and shoulder (35%) were the most prevalent at the next levels. Marital status, age, weight, educational level, job, exercise and stress were identified as risk factors affecting the musculoskeletal disorders in the students. Conclusion: It is possible to reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders by the necessary trainings to declare the risk factors and their modifications to the students, considering appropriate time between the classes and the use of ergonomic equipment and furniture in the classes. With these actions also can prevent from stress and consequently can increase the concentration and learning power in this group.