Abstract

This study investigates the correlation between job satisfaction and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among academic staff in Benue State, Nigeria. Academics are often exposed to musculoskeletal conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome, due to cognitive demands, sedentary work, and high workloads. While previous research has explored the influence of psychosocial factors on MSDs, limited attention has been given to the relationship between job satisfaction and MSDs within Nigerian universities. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 355 academic staff from four universities in Benue State: Benue State University, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, University of Mkar, and the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo. Data were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire, including the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ) and a custom job satisfaction Likert scale. Descriptive statistics and Spearman rank correlation were used for analysis, with significance set at p < 0.05. The study found a significant inverse relationship between job satisfaction and MSD prevalence, indicating that higher job satisfaction correlates with lower musculoskeletal pain. The results align with models such as the Job Demand-Control (JDC) and Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI), which emphasize the importance of job control and perceived rewards in reducing workplace stress and musculoskeletal strain. These findings underscore the importance of addressing psychosocial factors like workload and support systems to enhance job satisfaction and mitigate MSDs among academic staff in Nigeria. The study provides insights into improving occupational health in Nigerian academic institutions, potentially enhancing staff well-being and productivity.

Key words: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDS), musculoskeletal conditions, Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ).