Marital Status, Ergonomic Challenges, and Academic Performance among University Students in Nigeria
Abstract:
Ergonomic challenges in university learning environments are increasingly recognized as important factors influencing student health and academic performance. However, there is limited evidence on how these challenges interact with socio-demographic factors such as marital status, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 352 students at the University of Calabar, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire that incorporated elements of the Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and logistic regression were applied to examine the relationship between marital status, cumulative ergonomic challenges, and academic performance. Married students accounted for 2.56% of the study population. Commonly reported ergonomic challenges included musculoskeletal strain, poor lighting, non-adjustable furniture, and inadequate learning infrastructure. A moderate positive relationship was observed between cumulative ergonomic burden and academic performance impairment (r = 0.508), although this was not statistically significant. In the unadjusted analysis, married female students had higher exposure to ergonomic stressors and poorer academic outcomes compared to their male counterparts (OR = 2.00). However, after adjusting for ergonomic burden, this relationship reversed (AOR = 0.533), suggesting that the observed differences were largely driven by unequal exposure to environmental stressors rather than gender. Ergonomic challenges are a significant but often overlooked determinant of academic performance among university students. These findings highlight the need for institution-wide ergonomic interventions, particularly for vulnerable groups, to improve learning conditions, reduce physical strain, and support better academic outcomes.References:
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