Project – Ergonomic Risk Factors and Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Office Workers: A Study of Administrative Staff in Selected Universities in South-East Nigeria

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The modern office has become increasingly dependent on computers, electronic communication, document-processing systems and other forms of digital technology. While these technologies have improved administrative efficiency, they have also changed the physical nature of office work by increasing the amount of time employees spend sitting, typing, viewing computer screens and performing repetitive tasks. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) constitute an important occupational and public-health concern because they affect muscles, bones, joints and associated tissues and can restrict movement, physical functioning and participation in work. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2022) reported that approximately 1.71 billion people worldwide live with musculoskeletal conditions and identified musculoskeletal conditions as a major contributor to disability globally. In office environments, the problem is particularly relevant because many tasks involve prolonged static postures, repetitive upper-limb movements and limited opportunities for physical activity. Thus, the changing nature of administrative work makes the identification and control of ergonomic risks an important component of occupational health practice (WHO, 2022).

Ergonomic risk factors refer to characteristics of a job, workstation or work environment that can increase physical strain and contribute to musculoskeletal discomfort or injury. Among office workers, important ergonomic risks include prolonged sitting, sustained or awkward postures, inappropriate desk and chair height, poor positioning of computer monitors, repetitive keyboard and mouse activities, inadequate workspaces and insufficient rest breaks. Evidence from systematic research indicates that prolonged computer use, repetitive movements, awkward working postures and inadequate ergonomic practices are associated with musculoskeletal disorders among computer users. A systematic review by Abebe et al. (2024) found that the magnitude of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among computer users ranged widely across studies, with the lower back, neck, upper back and shoulders among the most frequently affected body regions. The review also identified prolonged computer use, awkward posture and lack of physical exercise among important factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders. These findings demonstrate that office work, although generally considered less physically demanding than manual occupations, may expose workers to substantial physical and ergonomic hazards (Abebe et al., 2024).

The Nigerian office environment presents additional concerns because the availability, design and suitability of office furniture and equipment may vary considerably between institutions. In many administrative settings, workers may spend several hours continuously at desks while using computers, processing documents, responding to correspondence and performing other repetitive activities. Abaraogu et al. (2018), in a study of computer workers in Enugu, Nigeria, found that musculoskeletal pain was common, with the low back being the most frequently affected region at 58.3%. The researchers also found associations between musculoskeletal pain and factors such as advancing age, length of time working in the job and reduced job control. Their findings are particularly relevant to the present study because the research was conducted in Enugu, within the South-East region of Nigeria, and involved workers whose occupational activities included computer-related tasks. The evidence suggests that prolonged computer-based administrative activities can constitute an important occupational health concern among Nigerian office workers (Abaraogu et al., 2018).

University administrative staff are an important occupational group because universities depend on their continuous performance for admissions, records management, examinations, finance, human resources, procurement, departmental administration, student services and general institutional operations. The work is often sedentary and computer-dependent, requiring staff to maintain fixed positions for considerable periods while concentrating on screens and performing repetitive keyboard or mouse movements. Okezue et al. (2020) investigated work-related musculoskeletal disorders among 217 office workers in higher education institutions in Nigeria and reported an overall prevalence of 71.9%. The lower back, wrists/hands and shoulders were among the most frequently affected body regions. The study also identified awkward posture, sustained body position, improper bending, workplace stress, inappropriate furniture and inadequate rest breaks as factors significantly related to musculoskeletal disorders. The findings provide strong evidence that university office workers represent a population deserving specific ergonomic attention (Okezue et al., 2020).

The physical symptoms experienced by office workers may range from temporary discomfort to persistent pain that interferes with occupational functioning and quality of life. Common musculoskeletal symptoms among office workers include pain, stiffness, numbness, tingling, weakness and discomfort involving the neck, shoulders, upper and lower back, wrists, hands and other body regions. When such symptoms become persistent, workers may experience difficulty concentrating, reduced work capacity, absenteeism, presenteeism and increased need for healthcare. Okezue et al. (2020) reported that musculoskeletal complaints among Nigerian higher-education office workers were significantly associated with working hours and work experience, while inappropriate furniture, sustained body positions and inadequate rest breaks were also implicated. Similarly, Abaraogu et al. (2018) reported that low-back pain among computer workers in Enugu could limit activities for periods ranging from one to 30 days. These findings indicate that musculoskeletal symptoms are not merely minor discomforts but may have implications for the health, productivity and functioning of office employees (Abaraogu et al., 2018; Okezue et al., 2020).

Ergonomic assessment is therefore important because the identification of workplace hazards provides a basis for prevention and intervention. Ergonomic approaches may involve appropriate workstation design, adjustable chairs and desks, correct monitor positioning, suitable keyboard and mouse placement, improved sitting posture, scheduled rest breaks, task variation, worker education and increased awareness of occupational health practices. Recent Nigerian evidence further demonstrates the importance of assessing ergonomic risks among university employees. Akintayo et al. (2025), in a cross-sectional study involving 142 computer-using administrative staff at a Nigerian university, assessed musculoskeletal disorders using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and ergonomic risks using the Rapid Office Strain Assessment method. The study reported that the neck and lower back were among the body regions with the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms. This recent evidence reinforces the importance of examining both the physical conditions of the workstation and the symptoms experienced by administrative employees rather than considering musculoskeletal complaints in isolation (Akintayo et al., 2025).

Despite the growing evidence concerning occupational musculoskeletal problems among Nigerian office workers, there remains a need for more focused investigation of administrative staff in universities across South-East Nigeria. Existing Nigerian studies have provided important evidence from Enugu and other higher-education settings, but the ergonomic conditions of administrative employees may differ across institutions because of variations in office design, furniture, workload, computer use, work schedules, institutional resources and occupational practices. Okezue et al. (2020) specifically noted the need for greater understanding of the diverse risk factors affecting Nigerian higher-education office workers, while Abaraogu et al. (2018) demonstrated a high burden of musculoskeletal pain among computer workers in Enugu. More recent evidence among Nigerian university employees has also continued to identify substantial musculoskeletal symptoms and ergonomic concerns (Akintayo et al., 2025). Therefore, examining ergonomic risk factors and musculoskeletal symptoms among administrative staff in selected universities in South-East Nigeria is important for generating context-specific evidence that can support occupational health policies, ergonomic education, workplace modifications and preventive interventions.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The increasing use of computers and digital technologies has transformed university administration, but it has also intensified sedentary and repetitive forms of work. Administrative staff commonly spend extended periods sitting at desks, operating computers, typing, using pointing devices, reading from screens and handling documents. These activities may expose workers to ergonomic risks such as prolonged static posture, repetitive movements, poorly designed workstations and inadequate opportunities for rest. The concern is significant because musculoskeletal disorders can affect workers’ comfort, functional capacity and productivity. The World Health Organization (2022) recognizes musculoskeletal conditions as a major global contributor to disability, while evidence from computer-user populations indicates that prolonged computer exposure and awkward working postures are important risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms (WHO, 2022; Abebe et al., 2024).

The Nigerian situation is particularly concerning because evidence already demonstrates a substantial burden of musculoskeletal symptoms among office and higher-education workers. Okezue et al. (2020) reported that 71.9% of 217 office workers in higher education institutions experienced work-related musculoskeletal disorders, with the lower back, wrists/hands and shoulders among the most affected regions. The same study identified awkward posture, sustained body position, inappropriate furniture, workplace stress and inadequate rest breaks as significant factors associated with these disorders. Similarly, Abaraogu et al. (2018) found a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among computer workers in Enugu, with the low back being particularly affected. These findings indicate that the problem is already evident within Nigerian office environments, including the South-East region, and warrants further investigation among university administrative staff.

Another problem is that the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms does not necessarily mean that the underlying ergonomic causes are recognized or addressed. Workers may continue to use inappropriate chairs, desks or computer arrangements, maintain static postures for long periods, work without sufficient breaks or adopt uncomfortable positions because of workload and institutional demands. A recent Nigerian study among computer-using university administrative staff found substantial levels of neck and lower-back symptoms while also demonstrating the relevance of formal ergonomic assessment of office workstations (Akintayo et al., 2025). Without adequate assessment, workers and university management may underestimate the relationship between workplace conditions and musculoskeletal symptoms. Consequently, potentially preventable occupational health problems may persist and gradually affect workers’ wellbeing and work performance.

The major problem, therefore, is the insufficient availability of current, context-specific evidence on the ergonomic risk factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms among administrative staff in selected universities in South-East Nigeria. Although previous studies have established that Nigerian higher-education and computer-using office workers experience considerable musculoskeletal problems, differences in institutional environments mean that findings from one university or occupational setting may not fully represent workers in other universities. There is consequently a need to determine the major ergonomic risk factors present among administrative staff, identify the common musculoskeletal symptoms and body regions affected, and establish whether ergonomic risk exposure is significantly associated with reported musculoskeletal symptoms. Generating such evidence will provide a basis for recommending appropriate ergonomic interventions and occupational health measures for university administrative staff in South-East Nigeria (Okezue et al., 2020; Akintayo et al., 2025).

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to examine ergonomic risk factors and musculoskeletal symptoms among office workers, with particular focus on administrative staff in selected universities in South-East Nigeria.

Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. identify the major ergonomic risk factors experienced by administrative staff in selected universities in South-East Nigeria;
2. determine the prevalence and common types of musculoskeletal symptoms experienced by administrative staff in the selected universities;
3. identify the body regions most commonly affected by musculoskeletal symptoms among the administrative staff; and
4. determine the relationship between ergonomic risk factors and musculoskeletal symptoms among administrative staff in the selected universities.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will guide the study:

1. What are the major ergonomic risk factors experienced by administrative staff in selected universities in South-East Nigeria?
2. What is the prevalence and nature of musculoskeletal symptoms experienced by administrative staff in the selected universities?
3. Which body regions are most commonly affected by musculoskeletal symptoms among the administrative staff?
4. What relationship exists between ergonomic risk factors and musculoskeletal symptoms among administrative staff in the selected universities?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following null hypothesis will be tested at the 0.05 level of significance:

H₀: There is no significant relationship between ergonomic risk factors and musculoskeletal symptoms among administrative staff in selected universities in South-East Nigeria.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study will be significant to university administrative staff because it will increase awareness of the ergonomic conditions that may contribute to musculoskeletal discomfort and pain. The findings may encourage workers to adopt safer sitting positions, make appropriate use of available workstation equipment, observe regular rest breaks and report persistent occupational symptoms.

The study will also be useful to university management. Evidence concerning the ergonomic conditions of administrative offices may assist management in identifying areas requiring improvement, including office furniture, workstation layout, computer positioning, workload arrangements and rest-break practices. The findings may support the development of institutional occupational-health policies designed to reduce preventable workplace health problems.

The study will be beneficial to occupational health professionals, physiotherapists, ergonomists and other healthcare practitioners. The findings may provide useful information for designing ergonomic education, workplace assessment programmes and preventive interventions targeted at administrative workers. Such interventions may contribute to early identification and management of musculoskeletal problems.

The study will also be relevant to government agencies and policymakers concerned with occupational safety and health. The findings may contribute to discussions on the importance of ergonomic standards and occupational-health measures within university and other administrative workplaces.

Finally, the study will serve as a useful reference for researchers and students undertaking further studies on occupational health, ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders, sedentary work and office-worker wellbeing. It may also provide a basis for comparative studies involving universities in other regions of Nigeria.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study will focus on ergonomic risk factors and musculoskeletal symptoms among administrative staff in selected universities in South-East Nigeria. The geographical scope will cover selected universities located within the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

The content scope will focus on ergonomic factors associated with administrative office work, including prolonged sitting, awkward or sustained posture, repetitive computer use, workstation arrangement, chair and desk suitability, computer-monitor positioning, duration of computer use and availability of rest breaks. The study will also examine musculoskeletal symptoms involving body regions such as the neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, elbows, wrists/hands, hips/thighs, knees and ankles/feet.

The population of the study will comprise administrative staff who perform office-based duties in the selected universities. Academic staff, students, security personnel, cleaners and other employees whose principal duties are not administrative office work will fall outside the main population of the study.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Administrative Staff: Employees of a university whose primary responsibilities involve office-based administrative activities such as records management, correspondence, documentation, student services, finance, personnel administration and related institutional duties.

Ergonomics: The application of knowledge about human capabilities and limitations to the design of work, equipment, workstations and working environments in order to improve safety, comfort, health and performance.

Ergonomic Risk Factors: Physical, environmental or work-related characteristics that may increase the likelihood of discomfort, strain or musculoskeletal problems. In this study, these include prolonged sitting, awkward posture, sustained body position, repetitive computer activities, inappropriate furniture and inadequate rest breaks.

Musculoskeletal Symptoms: Self-reported physical symptoms such as pain, aching, stiffness, numbness, tingling or discomfort affecting muscles, joints or related body structures.

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): Conditions affecting the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments or related tissues and producing symptoms or limitations in physical functioning.

Office Workers: Employees whose principal work activities are performed in an office environment and involve administrative, clerical, documentation or computer-related tasks.

Prolonged Sitting: Remaining in a seated position for extended periods during the working day, particularly when there is limited movement or opportunity to change posture.

Workstation: The physical arrangement of a worker’s desk, chair, computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse and other equipment used to perform office duties.

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs): Musculoskeletal symptoms or disorders that are caused, aggravated or influenced by conditions associated with occupational activities or the work environment.

Project – Ergonomic Risk Factors and Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Office Workers: A Study of Administrative Staff in Selected Universities in South-East Nigeria