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

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.

Automated summary

This study used fuzzy logic to model musculoskeletal disorders in steel factory workers in Iran. The results showed significant correlations between job stress, work-family conflict, general health, work posture, and MSDs. Fuzzy logic was found to be a possible tool for evaluating MSDs.