Investigation of Musculoskeletal Symptoms (MSS) and Manual Handling Risk Factors (MHRFS) among Students at School

Abstract

The study aims to investigate musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS)
among primary and secondary school students using the Body
Symptoms Survey (BSS), assess manual handling risk factors (MHRFs)
with the Manual Handling Assessment Charts (MAC), and recommend
improvements for student manual handling practices, focusing on
heavy school bags, improper carrying techniques, and ergonomic
deficiencies.The study employed a mixed-methods approach with 130
volunteer primary and secondary school students in Parit Raja.
focusing on musculoskeletal symptoms. Quantitative data, including
mean, mode, median, and standard deviation, were analyzed using
descriptive statistics. The Body Symptoms Survey and Manual
Handling Risk Assessment were integrated to assess and correlate
manual handling risk factors impacting student health. The manual
handling risk assessment of 130 students identified varying risk levels
from carrying heavy school bags. Most students scored low (0-4),
indicating no immediate action required. However, a notable portion
scored moderate to high (5-16), highlighting the need for prompt
interventions to mitigate risks and ensure student safety, particularly
for those nearing higher risk levels. The study underscores the need for
immediate interventions to improve how students carry heavy school
bags, especially for those experiencing ongoing musculoskeletal pain.
Future research should focus on long-term impacts, ergonomic
interventions, and student perspectives to enhance school safety and
health effectively across diverse student populations.