The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Medical Secretaries (MS) and their impact on their health-related quality of life (HRQL). Methods A cross-sectional multicentric exhaustive study was conducted among medical secretaries working in three public hospitals. The survey included a self-administered questionnaire related to individual and professional characteristics, a French abbreviated version of the Karasek's Job Content

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... , a French validated version of Nordic Questionnaire, a French validated version of the SF12 and NHP scores. The study also included objective validated clinical maneuvers. Determinants of MSDs and their impact on HRQoL were evaluated through univariate and multivariate analysis. Results A total of 72 office female workers were included with a response rate of 81.8%. The mean age was 43.75 ± 8.9 years. The body mass index (BMI) was higher among workers over the age of 45 years. According to Karasek's model, 54 subjects (75%) were in 'Job strain' situation. During the last 12 months, back complaints were reported by 69.4% and neck complains were reported by 79.2% of workers. An impaired physical HRQoL (PCS <50,11) was identified in 72.2% of subjects. An altered mental HRQoL (MCS <47.96) was identified in 76.4% of workers. In the multivariate analysis, BMI was found to be a risk factor for MSDs of the back (OR: 1.2), whereas time spent in front of the computer screen was found to be a risk factor for MSDs of the neck (OR: 2.8). MSD of the back was an independent predictive factor for a more altered physical HRQoL (OR: 7.45), whereas MSD of the knees was an independent predictive factor for more altered mental HRQoL (OR: 1.87). Conclusion The prevalence of MSDs among female office workers is high and have a negative impact on both physical and mental HRQoL.