Prevalence and risk factors for work-related shoulder pain among informal garment workers in the northeast of Thailand

Abstract

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of work-related shoulder pain (SP) and risk factors associated with SP among 446 informal garment workers, mainly in small or home businesses in the northeast of Thailand. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire and a survey form about the working environment. Risk factors for SP were indicated by multiple logistic regression analysis. The six month-prevalence of SP was 46.9%. The significant risk factors for SP included worked less than 10 years (ORadj = 1.5), no change of working posture each hour (ORadj = 2.0) and inappropriate seat width (ORadj = 3.0). It is concluded that the prevalence of SP is high in Thai garment workers and that work posture and workstation are contributing risk factors. In order to help reduce or prevent SP in this occupational group, it is proposed that ergonomics education and redesign of seats at workstations should be routinely implemented.