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

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2021 Mar;44(3):221-228. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2020.07.011. Epub 2021 Apr 11.

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.

Keywords: Fuzzy Logic; Job Stress; Musculoskeletal Disorders; Steel Industry; Work-Family Conflict.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Fuzzy Logic
  • Humans
  • Industry / statistics & numerical data
  • Iran / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Pain Measurement / statistics & numerical data
  • Posture
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Steel*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Steel