Pattern and predictors of musculoskeletal pain among bakery workers in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Abstract

IntroductionThe magnitude of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) and its risk factors among bakery workers are not well known in Nigeria. Therefore, this study investigated the pattern and predictors of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) seen in Nigerian bakery workers.MethodsThe analytical cross-sectional survey used a proforma and the standard Nordic questionnaire in assessing demographic characteristics, relevant work-related/ergonomic hazards and MSP information. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling technique with simple random sampling at stage one (25 bakeries) and a consecutive sampling technique at stage two (7 employees from each bakery). Statistics like chi-square and logistic regression were used in analysing the data.ResultsOne hundred and seventy-seven participants (77.4% males) with a mean age of 29.7 ± 6.7 years, and the average length of working in the bakery was 9.3 ± 5.2 years. Bending for prolonged periods (93.2%) and repetitive hand movements (92.1%) were the most prevalent ergonomic work hazards. In the past year, 72.3% reported MSP with the lower back region most prevalent (80.2%) followed by pain in the neck region (63.8%). Age, gender and educational attainments were significantly associated with the presence of MSP while ergonomic factors such as repetitive bending, overstretching and use of vibration-generating movement were also significantly associated with the presence of MSP among the bakery workers. Inadequate staffing, using vibration movement handling and education are the main predictors of the presence of MSP (<i>χ<sup>2</sup></i> = 29.09, <i>p</i> < 0.001; <i>R<sup>2</sup></i> = 0.219).ConclusionsHigh prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the past one year among Nigerian bakery workers predicted by education level, inadequate staffing, and vibration movement handling.