LASU Journal of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management
(LJERHRM)
ISSN: 2705-3482
Volume 4, No. 2, 2023
Pages 91-100
DOI: 10.36108/ljerhrm/3202.04.0270
Coping Strategies and Prevention Programs for Musculoskeletal Disorders among Academic Staff in Lagos State-owned Tertiary Institutions: A Descriptive Study
John Olufemi ADEOGUN (PhD)
Department of Human Kinetics, Sports and Health Education,
Faculty of Education, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria.
olufemi.adeogun@lasu.edu.ng
Rasheed Olawale AZEEZ (PhD)
Department of Industrial Relation and Human Resource Management,
Faculty of Management Sciences, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria.
rasheed.azeez@lasu.edu.ng
&
Musiliu Dada RUFAI (PhD)
Department of Educational Management,
Faculty of Education, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria.
musiliu.rufai@lasu.edu.ng
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) pose a significant challenge for academic staff, affecting their well-being and productivity within tertiary institutions. This study explores the coping strategies and prevention programs among academic staff in Lagos State-owned tertiary institutions. Using the descriptive survey research design, data was collected from 316 academics using the convenient sampling technique. With the aid of the descriptive statistics and the content analysis, findings indicate a varied utilization of both prevention (e.g., regular exercise, ergonomic workspace) and coping strategies (e.g., pain medication, assistive devices), emphasizing potential gaps in stress management and certain preventive measures. Academics suggest recommendations for effective MSD prevention programs, including ergonomic considerations, stress reduction workshops, workload management, and physical activity breaks. Based on these findings, it is recommended that management of Lagos stateowned tertiary institutions should implement ergonomic interventions, stress reduction workshops and fostering health-conscious work cultures.
Keywords: Academic Staff, coping strategies, ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders, prevention strategies..