Fuzzy Logic Modeling of Factors Affecting Musculoskeletal Disorders in a Steel Factory in Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study Publisher Pubmed



Malakoutikhah M¹ ; Zare A² ; Karimi A³ ; Hassanipour S⁴ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics Published:2021

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to model associated factors affecting musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), using fuzzy logic in a steel factory in Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on steel industry workers. A 6-part questionnaire was used, consisting of demographic characteristics, occupational stress, work–family conflict, general health, occupational postures, and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Pearson correlation was used for statistical analysis. Results: The prevalence of MSDs for 270 participants in the studied factory was 94.8%. Job stress, work–family conflict, general health, and work posture had a statistically significant relationship with MSDs (P <.05). The fuzzy model demonstrated 23.8% predictability for the actual data of the study. The defuzzification data had significant correlation with real data of MSDs. Conclusions: The results of this study provided a new perspective about associated factors affecting MSDs and demonstrate that fuzzy logic can be used as a possible tool for evaluating MSDs. © 2021