Association between Severity of Pain of Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Quality of Life among Agricultural Workers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine farming related musculoskeletal symptoms caused by agricultural work and to determine the quality of their life. As a cross-sectional study, a questionnaire survey was conducted in rural communities and investigation was carried out by a structured survey with 135 farmers. The results were as follows: The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms that occurred commonly in the body regions in descending order was shoulders (58.5%), low back (51.9%), legs/knees (51.9%) followed by neck (25.9%), arms/elbows (25.9%), and hands/wrists/fingers (23.0%). The mean score of health related quality of life by SF-36 was 57.34±14.65. The study found that farmer’s musculoskeletal symptoms showed a significant negative correlation with their quality of life. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a health management system in Korean rural communities that provide consistent support and attention toward farmer’s musculoskeletal symptoms. This ultimately will contribute to improve Korean famers’ quality of life and promote their health.