MEDICA (International Medical Scientific Journal)
Vol. 8 No. 3 (2026): MEDICA (International Medical Scientific Journal)

Occupational Exposure and Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Workers: A Literature Review

Indrayani, Ni Luh Dwi (Unknown)
Israfil, Israfil (Unknown)
Suyasa, I Gede Putu Darma (Unknown)
Pimsen, Apiradee (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Mar 2026

Abstract

Early musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms across occupations often present as strain or fatigue, which may progress into long-term disorders and contribute to global burden disease. This reviewed literature examined occupational exposures and their association with musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms related to work using MeSH term and Emtree in structuring a framework of population, context, and concept. The population (P) included workers, the concept (C) focused on prevalence and exposure, and the context (C) addressed musculoskeletal pain, discomfort, or symptoms. Eligible studies reporting self-reported prevalence or occupational risk factors were systematically extracted and summarized. Findings among 9 articles indicated majority prevalence of MSK symptoms higher than 60% measured mostly by Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). The highest body part major in low back and upper limbs including wrists for pink-collar, while in blue-collar workers fairly distributed in upper and lower limbs. The physical exposure mainly due to injury body weight, meanwhile psychosocial occupational exposures such as mental stress, job tenure contribute significantly to musculoskeletal symptoms (p<0.001) rather than physical exposure, with prevalence and distribution varying across body regions and occupational groups. These results emphasize the need for baseline data to guide future research based on job demands and inform targeted preventive strategies and workplace interventions.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

medica

Publisher

Subject

Chemistry Dentistry Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health Veterinary

Description

MEDICA (International Medical Scientific Journal), with registered number ISSN 2622-6596 (Print), 2622-660X (Online) is an Open Access and peer-reviewed journal presenting timely research on all aspects of health that other media have not published. Managed by the Borneo Scientific Publishing, ...