RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL AND ‎MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG NON-ACADEMIC OFFICE WORKERS IN THE SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES, UNIBEN. ‎

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common among sedentary office workers. This study examined the correlation between physical activity levels and MSDs among non-academic staff in the school of Basic Medical Sciences, UNIBEN. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving non-academic staff from the Departments of Physiotherapy, Radiography, Nursing, and Medical Laboratory Science at UNIBEN. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ-E) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-Short Form). Chi-square tests assessed the associations between physical activity levels and the prevalence of MSDs. Results: A cross-sectional study involving 25 non-academic staff members at UNIBEN examined the relationship between physical activity and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The majority of participants were female (16, 64%), with ages ranging from 30 to 59 years (mean: 43.36 ± 8.06). All participants reported experiencing musculoskeletal pain in various body regions, with neck pain being the most prevalent. Specifically, 18 respondents reported neck pain in the 12-month prevalence (72%), and 15 reported it in the 7-day prevalence (60%). While 52% (13) of participants had high physical activity levels, no significant relationship was found between physical activity levels and 12-month MSD prevalence. However, higher physical activity levels were associated with an increased 7-day prevalence of upper back pain (X²=6.851, p=0.033). Job roles were not linked to 12-month MSD prevalence, but shoulder and hip pain showed significant associations with specific job roles over the past 7 days. Conclusion: This study found a high MSD prevalence, with neck pain being the most common. Physical activity was not related to long-term MSDs but correlated with upper back pain. Job roles were associated with shoulder and hip pain, highlighting the impact of ergonomic design.