Fear Avoidance of Work Beliefs Amongst Workers Reporting Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Kenya

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are a devastating concern to the working population globally. WRMSD can result in disability, especially in cases where diagnosis and treatment are delayed. The primary objective of this study was to determine the proportions of flower farm workers exhibiting Fear Avoidance of work beliefs among workers reporting work-related musculoskeletal disorders at a farm in Kenya. The secondary objective was to determine the relationship between Fear Avoidance Beliefs over the previous 12 months and socio-demographic characteristics. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. A sample of 270 participants was drawn from 897 farm workers, of which 184 presented with WRMSD as assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Quantitative data were collected using the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire. Inferential statistics were analyzed using the Pearson's chi-squared test (X²) test and based on an alpha level of p< 0.05. Descriptive statistics were presented using frequencies and percentages. Respondents who reported Decreased Risk of persistent Problems were 67 (36.4%), Increased Risk of Reporting No Improvement were 50 (27.2%), Decreased Risk for Not Returning To work were 34 (18.5%) while those who reported Increased Risk of Not Returning to Work were 33 (17.9%). There was no correlation between exhibiting Fear Avoidance and socio-demographic characteristics. Flower farm workers in Kenya were found to exhibit Fear avoidance of work beliefs.