Ergonomics behaviour questionnaire (EBQ): design and validation of a questionnaire based on theory of planned behaviour in manual materials handling

The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) provides a framework for investigating the factors that influence the decision to initiate a behaviour. This study aimed to design and validate a questionnaire based on the TPB to predict the ergonomics behaviours of workers involved in manual materials handling (MMH). The participants were industrial workers, and questionnaire items were developed according to TPB constructs. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and reliability assessment were employed. The construct validity of the questionnaire was evaluated using EFA and subsequently verified through CFA, while Cronbach’s alpha was used to confirm the reliability of the instrument. The mean age of participants was 36.96 ± 7.06 years, and their mean work experience was 9.19 ± 4.41 years. Cronbach’s alpha values of the questionnaire dimensions ranged from 0.70 to 0.81. Confirmatory factor analysis of the 28 items indicated a good model fit, revealing that subjective norms and behavioural intention significantly influenced behaviour. Furthermore, subjective norms showed a strong positive correlation with behavioural intention (p < 0.05). The developed questionnaire demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability, and can be used to identify ergonomic risk factors and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.