Musculoskeletal disorders among bank workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE: Bank employees are among the workers who are at a high risk of suffering from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to inactivity and prolonged sitting as well as static and poor postures. This study was conducted with the aim of systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of MSDs among bank employees. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review followed the PRISMA guidelines and its protocol is registered in PROSPERO with the code CRD42024509728. Using several databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, SID, ISC, and Google Scholar, related studies were extracted without time limit until February 7th 2024. Simple random effects model and I2 index were used respectively for performing meta-analysis and determining heterogeneity between studies. Finally, data analysis was done using the software STATA version 14. RESULTS: After conducting the initial search, 1837 studies were identified in the information sources. After careful consideration, 28 studies were included in meta-analysis. The meta-analysis results revealed that 67.84% (95% CI: 61.21-74.47, I2 = 97.4%, P < 0.001) of bank employees suffer from MSDs. These disorders affect various areas of the body with the following prevalence rates in the low back (49.19%), neck (46.11%), upper back (42.08%), shoulder (34.88%), hand (25.40%), hip/thigh (19.29%), knee (17.86%), ankle/foot (16.37%), and elbow (12.53%). CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of MSDs among bank employees is a concern, especially due to their sedentary behavior. It is important to increase awareness among bank employees about the risk factors of MSDs and design interventions to reduce their sitting time. Additionally, adjusting workstations according to ergonomic recommendations can help prevent MSDs in this occupational group.