Pattern of Musculoskeletal conditions among security guards working in Narayanganj city.

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a prevalent occupational health issue among physically active workers, including security guards, due to prolonged standing, repetitive tasks, and poor ergonomic conditions. These conditions negatively affect quality of life, productivity, and health outcomes. Objective: The study aimed to assess the pattern of musculoskeletal conditions among security guards working in Narayanganj city, Bangladesh, and to examine associations with demographic and occupational factors such as age, BMI, and working hours. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 security guards using structured socio-demographic questionnaires and the standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 to determine the pattern of musculoskeletal pain and its association with variables such as age, BMI, and working hours. Results: Around 176(88%) out of 200 participants had some type of musculoskeletal pain in last 12 months. The most common musculoskeletal complaints reported in the last 12 months included lower back pain (24.5%), knee pain (16%), ankle pain (13%), neck pain (9.5%), and shoulder pain (9%). Age was significantly associated with lower back pain (p=0.012), knee pain (p=0.001), and ankle pain (p=0.000), while BMI and working hours showed no significant correlation with MSDs. Most participants were male (89%), aged 25–45 years (57%), and worked more than 8 hours daily (89.5%). Conclusion: The study highlights a significant burden of MSDs among security guards in Narayanganj, particularly in the lower back, knees, and ankles. These findings underscore the need for ergonomic interventions, education, and physiotherapy support to prevent and manage MSDs in this occupational group. Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended to generalize findings nationwide. Keywords: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), Security Guards, Occupational Health, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Age-related Pain, Narayanganj city.