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Abstract
Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common among healthcare students due to long study hours, poor posture, and physical demands during clinical training. These disorders can cause pain, limit functional performance and affect academic productivity. This study examined the comparative prevalence, pattern, and determinants of musculoskeletal disorders among Medical, Nursing, and Physiotherapy students at the University of Benin.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 301 students selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while chi-square tests determined associations between musculoskeletal symptoms and factors such as department, study hours, and clinical workload. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The majority of respondents were females aged 21–25 years. The 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was highest in the lower back (71.4%), upper back (63.8%), and neck (62.8%). Neck and upper-back pain significantly differed among departments (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01 respectively), with higher rates among nursing and physiotherapy students. Clinical workload showed significant association with wrist/hand (p = 0.01) and hip/thigh (p < 0.001) pain, while study hours were not significantly associated (p > 0.05). iv Conclusion: Musculoskeletal disorders were highly prevalent among healthcare students at the University of Benin. The major determinants were ergonomic strain and workload intensity rather than demographic factors. Ergonomic education, regular breaks, and workload regulation are recommended to prevent musculoskeletal strain during training.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 301 students selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while chi-square tests determined associations between musculoskeletal symptoms and factors such as department, study hours, and clinical workload. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The majority of respondents were females aged 21–25 years. The 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was highest in the lower back (71.4%), upper back (63.8%), and neck (62.8%). Neck and upper-back pain significantly differed among departments (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01 respectively), with higher rates among nursing and physiotherapy students. Clinical workload showed significant association with wrist/hand (p = 0.01) and hip/thigh (p < 0.001) pain, while study hours were not significantly associated (p > 0.05). iv Conclusion: Musculoskeletal disorders were highly prevalent among healthcare students at the University of Benin. The major determinants were ergonomic strain and workload intensity rather than demographic factors. Ergonomic education, regular breaks, and workload regulation are recommended to prevent musculoskeletal strain during training.
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