Research code: 140008257002
Ethics code: IR.UMSHA.REC.1400.521
Mohammad Javad Assari *1 
, Mobina Khezrian2 , Melika Hooshmandi2 , Neda Mahdavi2 , Mohammad Babamiri2 , Nima Berijani2 , Ali Assari3
, Mobina Khezrian2 , Melika Hooshmandi2 , Neda Mahdavi2 , Mohammad Babamiri2 , Nima Berijani2 , Ali Assari3
1- Hamadan University , javad.assari@gmail.com
2- Hamadan University
3- Iran University
2- Hamadan University
3- Iran University
Abstract: (11 Views)
Background and Objective: Exposure of municipal wastewater treatment plant (MWWTP) workers to biological, chemical, physical, and ergonomic hazards may contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and mental health problems. This study investigated the relationship between mental health, mental workload, and MSD prevalence among MWWTP workers in western Iran.
Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted among 44 employees of a MWWTP between 2023 and 2024 using a census method. Mental health was assessed using the SCL-90 questionnaire, mental workload using NASA-TLX, and MSD prevalence using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Results: Although symptoms of mental disorders were more frequent in the case group, no significant difference was observed between the groups based on SCL-90 scores. Significant differences were found in mental workload dimensions, including mental demand, physical demand, performance, effort, and frustration. The prevalence of discomfort in the knees, lower back, back, and neck was higher among operational engineers than office workers. Significant findings in several body regions indicated poorer musculoskeletal conditions among operational engineers. In addition, total mental workload was positively associated with MSD prevalence in the lower back, back, and knees.
Conclusion: Operational engineers experienced greater physical discomfort and psychological strain than office workers, likely due to more demanding working conditions. These findings highlight the importance of ergonomic interventions, health education, workstation redesign, and multidisciplinary approaches addressing psychological, cognitive, ergonomic, and social factors to improve occupational health and promote well-being.
Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted among 44 employees of a MWWTP between 2023 and 2024 using a census method. Mental health was assessed using the SCL-90 questionnaire, mental workload using NASA-TLX, and MSD prevalence using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Results: Although symptoms of mental disorders were more frequent in the case group, no significant difference was observed between the groups based on SCL-90 scores. Significant differences were found in mental workload dimensions, including mental demand, physical demand, performance, effort, and frustration. The prevalence of discomfort in the knees, lower back, back, and neck was higher among operational engineers than office workers. Significant findings in several body regions indicated poorer musculoskeletal conditions among operational engineers. In addition, total mental workload was positively associated with MSD prevalence in the lower back, back, and knees.
Conclusion: Operational engineers experienced greater physical discomfort and psychological strain than office workers, likely due to more demanding working conditions. These findings highlight the importance of ergonomic interventions, health education, workstation redesign, and multidisciplinary approaches addressing psychological, cognitive, ergonomic, and social factors to improve occupational health and promote well-being.
Article number: 6
Keywords: Municipal wastewater treatment plant, Mental health, Mental workload, Musculoskeletal disorders
Type of Study: Research Article |
Subject:
Ergonomics
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