Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries or pain caused by sudden exertion, repetitive motions, force, vibration, or awkward postures [1-4]. Injuries and pain in the musculoskeletal system caused by acute, traumatic events, such as motor accidents or falls, are not considered MSDs [5]. MSDs include carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis, tendinitis, back pain, tension neck syndrome, and hand-arm vibration syndrome [3]. Work-related MSDs (WRMSDs) are MSDs that result from work-related events [6]. WRMSDs occur when there is a mismatch between job requirements and the physical capacity of the human body, depending on the physical characteristics of movement, ergonomics, and mechanical design of work [7]. Markenson [8] stated that injuries to the musculoskeletal system occurring in the workplace are becoming more common, and the severity of such injuries is increasing.

MSDs are as common among clergymen as it is among other professions [9-11], which leads to an increasing number of ministers leaving the profession [12].

Studies have included examinations of various variables associated with MSDs in clergymen, including external variables such as occupational and organizational demands and job-specific stressors such as role ambiguity, overload, and conflict [13]; internal variables such as personality traits and Personality dimensions [14]. Cultural variables, such as cultural assumptions and paradigms, have also been considered [12]. Innstrand [15] suggested that studying personality (internal variables) without learning the working conditions (external variables) or looking into working conditions without considering personality is impossible.

MSDs are a significant occupational health issue, affecting various professionals, including clergymen. MSDs experienced by religious leaders have been researched in England, the Netherlands, and other European countries [16,17,10]. Despite the physical and emotional demands of religious work, there is a dearth of studies on MSDs among clergymen in Nigeria. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and pattern of MSDs among clergymen in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, and examine the associated factors.

Research Design

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the association between age, marital status, and number of hours spent, years of work experience, sex, educational level, and MSDs among clergymen.

Participants

The study included 149 clergymen who had been in the profession for ≥12 months. Inclusion criteria were being actively engaged in religious duties and providing informed consent. Exclusion criteria included clergymen with <12 months of professional experience or those unwilling to participate.

Data Collection Procedure

Ethical approval was obtained from the Health Research and Ethics Committee, Institute of Public Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. The purpose and procedures of the research work were explained to each participant before he/she took part in the research, and their informed consent was obtained. The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and Numerical Pain Rating Scale were then administered to the participants.

Statistical Analysis

Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17. Data were expressed as mean, standard deviation, and percentage. The chi-square test was used to determine the association between the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and socio-demographic characteristics such as age, years of experience, educational status, and marital status.  Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Sociodemographic Characteristics of the Participants

Table 1 presents the sociodemographic variables of the participants. It shows the percentage distribution of participants by sex and marital status.

Table 1: Socio-demographic characteristics of the participants.

Table 2: Percentage distribution of pain that prevented participants from going to the place of worship because of pain.

Table 2 presents the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among the participants that prevents them from going to the place of worship because of pain.

Figure 1: shows the percentage distribution of participants who had pain during the last 12 months and 7 days at upper part of the body.

Category 1=Neck, Category 2=shoulder, Category 3= Elbow, Category 4=Wrist, Category 5= Upper back

Blue represents last 12 months, Red represents lasts 7 days the chart is represented in percentages.

One hundred and two participants (68.5%) have never been hindered from going to the place of worship by pain, while 47 participants (31.5%) have been hindered from going to the place of worship because of pain.

Figure 1 shows the percentage distribution of participants who had pain during the last 12 months and 7 days at upper part of the body. For 12 months, 37 participants (24.8%) had neck pain, 34 (22.8%) had pain in the right shoulder, 11 (7.4%) had pain in the right elbow, 10 (6.7%) had pain in the left wrist, 27 (18.1%) had pain in the upper back,  For the last 7 days, 36 participants (24.2%) had neck pain, 21 (14.1%) had right shoulder pain, 14 (9.4%) had left shoulder pain, 5 (3.4%) had pain at both shoulders, 14 (9.4%) had pain the right elbow, 3 (2.0%) had pain at the left elbow, 8 (5.4%) had pain at both elbows, 14 (9.4%) had pain at the right wrist, 2 (1.3%) had pain at the left wrist, 5 (3.4%) had pain at both wrist, 21 (14.8%) had pain at the upper back.

Figure 2: Figure 2 shows the percentage distribution of participants who had pain during the last twelve months and 7 days at lower part of the body for the 12 months.

Category 1=Lower back, Category 2=Hip/Thigh/buttock, Category 3= Knee, Category 4=Ankle/Feet

Blue represents last 12 months, Red represents lasts 7 days and they represent percentages.

Figure 2 shows the percentage distribution of participants who had pain during the last twelve months and 7 days at lower part of the body for the 12 months, 49 (32.9%) had pain at the lower back, 19 (12.8%) had pain at the Hip/Thigh and buttocks, 30 (20.1%) had pain at the knee and 21 (14.1%) had pain at the ankle and for the last 7days 36 (24.2%) had pain at the lower back, 32 (21.5%) had pain at the hip/high/and buttocks, 21 (14.1%) had pain at the knee, and 34 (22.8%) had pain at the ankle/feet.

Table 3: Association between marital status, educational level and pain prevalence.

No significant association was observed between the prevalence of pain and educational level (X²=1.174, P>0.05); however, a significant difference was observed between marital status and prevalence of pain (X²=151.420, P<0.05).

Table 4: Correlation matrix on the influence of musculoskeletal disorder on descriptive variables.

No significant correlation was observed between pain intensity and years of work experience (r=-0.225**, p>0.05), and no significant correlation was observed between pain intensity and age (r=-2.16**, p>0.05). A significant correlation was observed between pain intensity and hours spent on the job per week (r=0.502**, p<0.05)

Keys: Hlocc: Work experience: Jpw: Hours spent in job per week, Ps: Pain intensity,

PPWn: Prevention from going to place of work because of pain.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of WRMSDs among clergymen in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. The results of the study revealed the prevalence of WRMSDs in 27.3% of the clergymen.

Low back pain (32.9%) was the most prevalent WRMSD in the clergymen, followed by neck (24.8%) and knee pain (24.2%). Similarly, Prajapati and Thakkar [18] reported low back pain as the most prevalent MSD in Hindu priests, and they reported that low back pain had the highest 12-month prevalence rate. Clergymen sit for a prolonged period when counseling people. Ogunsanya [19] reported that prolonged sitting is a risk factor of low back pain. Prolonged sitting may have contributed to the high prevalence of low back pain reported by the clergymen in this study.

The highest prevalence of 7 days is lower back pain (24.2%). The highest prevalence during the last 12 months is upper back pain (23.5%). Similarly, this correlated with the study done by Ojoawo and Wasiu Mustapha [22] on the pattern of musculoskeletal pain among Christians and Islamic faithful in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. This may be owing to prolonged standing while preaching.

Other MSDs reported by Clergymen apart from the lower back, neck, and upper back pain were shoulder (22.8%) and ankle (22.8%) pain. Akinpelu [20] reported 30.8% and 27% for the prevalence of shoulder and ankle pain, respectively, among drivers in Ibadan, Nigeria, while Tamrin [21] reported 35.4% and 29.3% for shoulder and knee pain, respectively.

This study revealed a significant association between marital status and the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain. A higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was observed among married clergymen compared with single clergymen. The higher number of married clergymen (146) compared with single clergymen (3) in this study resulted in a high ratio (146:3) between the former and latter groups of clergymen. This high ratio may have had a skewing effect on the result. Therefore, it should be interpreted with caution.

No significant correlation was observed between pain intensity and years of work experience (r=-.225**, p>0.05). No significant correlation was observed between pain intensity and age (r=-2.16**, p>0.05); however, a significant correlation was observed between pain intensity and hours spent in a job per week (r=.502**, p<0.05). This study had some limitations. First, relying on self-reported data may introduce recall bias and affect the accuracy of the reported prevalence and intensity of MSDs among the clergymen. Second, the relatively small sample size and use of convenience sampling may limit the generalizability of the findings to the broader population of clergymen. Third, the absence of longitudinal data prevents the assessment of changes in MSD prevalence and severity over time. Finally, the study was conducted in a specific region, which may limit the applicability of the findings to clergymen in different cultural or geographical contexts.

This study highlights the significant prevalence of WRMSDs among clergymen in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. The findings revealed that low back pain is the most common WRMSD, followed by neck and knee pain. A significant association was found between marital status and the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, with married clergymen experiencing higher rates of pain. Additionally, the intensity of pain was significantly correlated with the number of hours spent on the job per week. Effective strategies to mitigate WRMSDs among clergymen should include ergonomic interventions, education on proper body mechanics, and regular health assessments. Addressing these issues can improve the well-being and productivity of clergymen, ultimately enhancing their ability to serve their communities.

Healthcare providers and religious institutions should collaborate to develop comprehensive health programs tailored to the specific needs of clergymen. Regular health check-ups and access to physiotherapy services could be beneficial in managing and preventing WRMSDs.

Future research should explore the long-term impact of WRMSDs on the health and well-being of clergymen, considering internal and external variables. Expanding the study to include a larger and more diverse sample across different regions would enhance the generalizability of the findings and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to WRMSDs in this population.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr. Afolabi for his invaluable guidance during the research process.

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