# Global prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among restaurant workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

## TL;DR

This study finds that over two-thirds of restaurant workers experience musculoskeletal symptoms, with low back pain being the most common.

## Contribution

The paper provides the first global meta-analysis on musculoskeletal symptoms in restaurant workers.

## Key findings

- The pooled prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among restaurant workers is 67.01%.
- Low back pain is the most prevalent symptom, affecting 50.78% of workers.
- Hip/thigh pain has the lowest prevalence at 19.05%.

## Abstract

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of MSSs among restaurant workers, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. The primary objective was to determine the magnitude of this issue and to provide valuable insights for the development and implementation of effective prevention and intervention strategies.

systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Relevant studies were identified through a comprehensive search of multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A random-effects model was employed for the meta-analysis, and heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the I2 statistic. Data analysis was conducted using STATA statistical software (version 14).

Following the completing the stages of screening, selection, and evaluation of the quality of the studies, 17 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis showed that The pooled prevalence of MSSs among restaurant workers was 67.01% (95% CI: 57.90-76.12, I2 = 98.2%, P < 0.001). The highest and lowest prevalence rates are related to the low back with a rate of 50.78% (95% CI: 39.45-62.11, I2 = 98.4%, P < 0.001) and hip/thigh with a rate of 19.05% (95% CI: 10.24-27.87, I2 = 98.2%, P < 0.001).

The relatively high occurrence of MSSs within the restaurant industry necessitates the implementation of preventive measures, including ergonomic interventions, to mitigate their adverse effects.