Musculoskeletal Disorders in People Working as Saree Sellers

Abstract

Background: People working as Saree Sellers need to adopt awkward postures and wrong sitting arrangements and repetitive movements of the upper and lower limbs, which may predispose them to work related musculoskeletal disorders(WRMSDs). MSDs are a major cause of morbidity, illness and disability. The aim of the study was to find Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders(MSDs) among Saree Sellers of Ahmedabad. Method: Cross-sectional study was conducted on people selling sarees in shops, since at least one year using convenience sampling. A questionnaire was generated. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire including close-ended questions. Descriptive analysis was done. Result: Total 56 workers completed the study-47(84%)males and 9(16%)females, mean age(39.1+11.2)years. 55(99%) workers worked for >8 hours a day, 39(70%)worked 7days/week. 34(61%) were working for >10 years. 30(54%) of workers had pain in last 12 months. 10(17%) had problem in knees and 4(7%) had problem in ankles as they have to get up for >5 times a day as reported by 32(57%)workers. 35(62%) had received surgical and 4(7%) had taken physiotherapy treatment. Conclusion/implications: Occurrence of MSDs among saree sellers, was found to be about 50%, particularly in the knee, ankle. Awareness about physiotherapy and ergonomics may be less in this industry. The working conditions need to be studied and steps taken to reduce the WRMSDs problems in this industry, ergonomic interventions can be suggested in the work places. Keywords: Prevalence, Ergonomics, Work related musculoskeletal disorders. Funding acknowledgement: None