Prevalence of Forward Head Posture among Cleaning Workers and Its Correlation to Physical Workload

Abstract

Background: Cleaning workers often perform repeated activities in awkward postures, exposing them to postural malalignment and musculoskeletal disorders. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of forward head posture (FHP) among cleaning workers and to determine its associated risk factors with a correlational analysis to physical workload. Methods: This cross-sectional observational research was conducted using Photogrammetry to determine the craniovertebral angle and a Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) working sheet to evaluate the physical workload and the risk level for developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in 104 cleaning workers. Results: The prevalence of forward head posture among cleaning workers was 61.54% with 95% CI (51.94- 70.32%). FHP was significantly associated with higher weight status and working years (p<0.05). A Binary logistic regression determined that overweight and obese participants were 0.11 times more likely to have FHP compared to normal weight participants (Odds Ratio = 0.11, 95% CI 0.04-0.34). Participants with working 5-30 years were 0.23 times more likely to have FHP than participants with 1- 4 working years (Odds Ratio = 0.23, 95% CI 20.09-0.53). RULA score among them was 6.33 ± 0.73. There is a significant moderate positive correlation between the FHP and RULA score (rpb = 0.49 p < 0.05). Conclusion: 61.54% of cleaning workers exhibited forward head posture. High BMI and long working years were the associated risk factors. High RULA scores emphasized the need for preventive actions to lower the risk of developing FHP and other MSDs.