Effects of a community-based participatory educational program on knowledge, attitude, and practice for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders risks among rural workers: A quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have become a paramount concern in occupational health, significantly affecting the well-being and efficiency of laborers across diverse sectors. This research aims to investigate the effects of a community-based participatory educational program on enhancing knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) for preventing WMSD risks among rural workers in Phayao province, Thailand. A single-group quasi-experimental design was employed, with assessments conducted at the baseline (T1), post-program (T2), and follow-up post-program (T3) stages. The participants attended an eight-week educational program. Data collection tools included demographic characteristics, assessment of KAP related to WMSDs, and evaluation of WMSD risks. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and repeated-measures analysis of variance. In total, 90 participants were included in the study, with an average age of 47.6 ± 10.6 years. More than two-thirds of the participants were classified as general workers. The results indicated a significant increase in knowledge scores, rising from 6.78 ± 1.59 at baseline to 9.56 ± 0.70 post-program and maintaining at 8.59 ± 1.06 after follow-up (p-value < 0.001, η2 = 0.681). Attitude scores also demonstrated a significant improvement, increasing from 36.43 ± 6.92 to 46.66 ± 1.94 post-program and remaining at 45.97 ± 2.05 after follow-up (p-value < 0.001, η2 = 0.674). Practice scores witnessed a substantial increase from 19.31 ± 6.49 at baseline to 38.54 ± 1.18 post-program, maintaining at 37.79 ± 1.34 after follow-up (p-value < 0.001, η2 = 0.881). Furthermore, the results indicated a notable decrease in WMSD risks post-program intervention, sustained after follow-up. The study suggests that integrating a community-based educational program successfully enhanced participants’ KAP related to WMSD risks. These findings provide valuable insights to the expanding body of evidence, offering pertinent information for policymakers.