Objective To understand the current status of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among workers in the tertiary industry of Nanning and analyze the influencing factors, providing the orientation for formulating effective intervention measures.

Methods From June 2022 to January 2023, a stratified, disproportionate cluster sampling design was employed, 1 919 workers from 121 units in Nanning were surveyed with the Chinese version of the musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire to investigate the prevalence of WMSDs. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to analyze potential influencing factors.

Results A total of 2 022 questionnaires were distributed, and 1 919 valid responses were collected, with a response rate of 94.90%. The overall prevalence of WMSDs among these workers in the tertiary industry in Nanning was 51.85% (995/1 919), with the most common areas affected being the lower back, neck, and shoulders (prevalence rates of 38.87%, 38.82%, and 33.09%, respectively). The prevalence of WMSDs among occupational groups in public administration, business services, education, healthcare, and the other sectors (express delivery, road transportation) was 54.00% (198/367), 45.70% (256/560), 67.00% (148/221), 55.40% (278/502), and 42.80% (115/269), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, compared to those aged 18 to 29 years, the risk of WMSDs was higher in those aged 40 years and above (OR=1.486 to 1.692). Compared to those with a BMI < 18.5 kg/m², the risk of WMSDs was higher in those with a BMI>24.0 kg/m² (OR=1.568). Compared to individuals reporting excellent health, those with general, poor, or very poor health had a higher risk of WMSDs (OR=2.010 to 3.829). Compared to those working < 40 hours per week, those working ≥ 55 hours per week had a higher risk of WMSDs (OR=1.643). Inadequate rest during work breaks, forward neck posture or prolonged maintenance of such posture, and prolonged sitting at work were associated with higher risks of WMSDs (OR=1.260, 1.990, 1.688). Compared to other industries, workers in the education sector had a higher risk of WMSDs (OR=1.851). The common risks for public administration and healthcare workers were insufficient break time, forward neck posture/static posture, and prolonged sitting. The common risk for business services workers was poor health status. The core risk for education workers was poor neck posture. The risk for other industry workers was related to lower education level, BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m², and long working hours.

Conclusions The prevalence of WMSDs was high among workers in the tertiary industry in Nanning. Factors influencing the risk of WMSDs among different occupational groups varied. It is recommended to implement industry-specific interventions to improve the health of workers in the tertiary industry.