A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECT OF PLANNED TEACHING ON KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE REGARDING BODY ERGONOMICS IN THE PREVENTION OF OCCUPATIONAL INJURIES AMONG BUS WORKERS IN SELECTED BUS DEPOTS OF NAVI MUMBAI

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are highly prevalent worldwide, affecting over 100 million people and accounting for 42–58% of all work-related illnesses. They cause long-term pain, disability, and reduced productivity. Ergonomic interventions help minimize risks across high-risk sectors such as construction, healthcare, transportation, and office work by reducing workplace hazards. Bus drivers face risks from prolonged sitting, repetitive hand–foot movements, and exposure to air and noise pollution, while conductors are vulnerable due to prolonged standing, vibration, and continuous passenger interaction. Awareness and application of ergonomic principles in workstation setup can significantly prevent discomfort and enhance productivity. The researcher chose to study this topic to improve knowledge about body ergonomics and the prevention of occupational injuries among the bus workers. This information is to be given in the local bus depots. An individual will get information by planned teaching in the form of a lecture come discussion, and demonstration of exercises to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and improve the ergonomic practices of bus workers.

Aim: The Knowledge and Practice regarding Body Ergonomics in the prevention of occupational injuries should improve after planned teaching

Objectives: 1. To assess the knowledge and practice of bus workers regarding body ergonomics before and after planned teaching. 2. To determine the association of knowledge and practice scores with selected demographic variables.

Material and Methods: One-group pre-test-post-test design. 60 bus workers selected from the selected bus depot of Navi Mumbai. Non-probability convenience sampling technique was used. Data collection included the use of planned teaching, a structured questionnaire for knowledge, an observation checklist for exercises, and an inventory checklist for the observed practices.

Analysis: The findings regarding pre- and post-test knowledge of bus workers reveal that in the pre-test, none of them had excellent knowledge, which drastically improved after planned teaching. Comparison between pre-test and post-test knowledge scores (t=,40.69), Practice of stretching exercised on day-0^th and day-7^th (t=12.01), pre-and post-test practice scores of bus conductors (t=14.82), and of bus conductors (t= 9.19) which was greater than the tabulated value therefore, there was a significant difference in the knowledge and practices of the bus workers. Correlation between knowledge and practice (r=-0.084) indicates no significant relationship between knowledge and practices of bus workers. The association between post-test knowledge scores and their selected demographic variables showed that age (t = -0.79), occupation (t = 0.19), and education (t = 1.25) were not statistically significant, as the t-values were less than the tabulated value. Therefore, there was no significant association between knowledge and the selected demographic variables.

Conclusion: Knowledge and Practice depicted marked improvement after planned teaching. Regular stretching exercises and continuous observation of preventive measures are also important for reducing the incidence and preventing occupational injuries.

Implications: The planned teaching regarding Body Ergonomics in the prevention of occupational injuries can be taken in the nursing Service to help nursing personnel working in hospitals and communities to plan health education for patients admitted with complaints of any occupational injury. Additionally, it provides a foundation for developing teaching programs aimed at creating awareness among nursing staff about body ergonomics and the prevention of occupational injuries. Nursing supervisors can also utilize the study’s insights to organize sessions on stretching exercises, which help prevent ergonomic disorders among staff nurses.

From the perspective of nursing education, the study serves as a guideline for using planned teaching as an effective method to disseminate information. It also offers an opportunity to impart knowledge to others. In nursing research, the research methodology, tools, and findings can be added to the nursing literature, which can provide insight to future nurse researchers, can be used as reference material for students, and even the same study can be replicated on a larger population.