Assessment of Musculoskeletal Problems among Bangladeshi University Students in Relation to Classroom and Library Furniture

Prolonged static and sitting posture in poorly designed furniture may increase Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Therefore, the research purposes were to examine the prevalence and severity of MSD problems among the students in different body regions and determine the relationship between furniture dimensions and MSD problems. A total of 400 university students (250 males and 150 females) voluntarily participated in this survey. Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to assess the MSDs. All dimensions of the four types academic furniture were measured and evaluated. A Chi-square test was used to determine the association between furniture dimensions and body measurements. Moreover, lordosis and kyphosis abnormalities were analyzed to determine the relationship between furniture dimensions and MSDs. The results showed a high frequency of MSDs in the Lower Back region (52.25%) among the participants. Moreover, female participants were more affected than male participants in MSDs. A significant positive relationship was found between furniture dimensions and lordosis disorders at p < 0.05. Moreover, Chi-square results showed the dimensions of academic furniture (SW, SH, SD, BH, etc.) were unsuitable relative to body measurements. Students were affected by the MSD problems due to the inappropriate furniture. Therefore, to avoid or reduce the MSD problems, the design of the academic furniture should be changed.