Ergonomics knowledge,awareness,and behaviors in a clinical setting: Comparison of individuals with musculoskeletal pain and healthy volunteers

Abstract

Background

Ergonomics plays a critical role in musculoskeletal health, yet validated tools such as ROSA may be impractical in high-demand clinical settings. This study compared ergonomics knowledge, awareness, and behaviors between individuals with and without musculoskeletal pain using a concise yes/no-based tool.

Objective

To compare ergonomic behaviors, knowledge, and awareness between individuals with and without musculoskeletal pain, and to identify behavioral factors associated with chronic pain.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged 18–65 in a tertiary healthcare facility. Participants completed a binary-response ergonomics questionnaire assessing posture, workstation adjustment, screen use, and ergonomic equipment habits. Group comparisons used Chi-square and Mann–Whitney U tests (p < 0.05).

Results

Among 222 participants, chronic pain was significantly associated with female gender, being a housewife, poor posture, lack of chair height adjustment, and reduced screen-time awareness. (p < 0.05) Correct posture, chair adjustment, and screen-time awareness were protective. Elbow support use was associated with lower chronic pain prevalence (p = 0.033).

Conclusions

A rapid, binary ergonomics assessment effectively identified behavioral risk factors for chronic musculoskeletal pain. This format may support scalable ergonomic screening in diverse occupational environments.