Assessing Knowledge and Behavior on Ergonomics Among University Students in Healthcare Disciplines: A Survey

During lecture activities, the students are generally in static postures with improper body alignments. These static and repetitive muscle-loading actions may induce pain or discomfort in the musculoskeletal system. Early onset of MSP increases the chance of having chronic musculoskeletal problems as an adult. Understanding ergonomics can help avoid particular risk factors that can lead to the onset of musculoskeletal problems. Ergonomics awareness and/or knowledge is essential for preventing musculoskeletal disorders from worsening. A person who is knowledgeable of ergonomics has the understanding to make choices and take actions to practice ergonomics, as opposed to those who are not. Therefore, the need arises to understand the level of knowledge and behavior of students in healthcare disciplines so that it can create awareness among the students thereby reduce the risk of developing MSPs.