Prevalence and the correlations of chronic widespread pain among loaders (Nattami) in Pettah, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic widespread pain (CWP) is a cardinal symptom of fibromyalgia, which is a non-inflammatory condition of the musculoskeletal system. It has become a highly prevalent condition and a major health problem in the community and working population. Loaders are a vulnerable group of people engage in an occupation that has a higher risk of developing musculoskeletal pain. Psychological distress is also associated with CWP. The main aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and associated factors of CWP among loaders in Pettah, Sri Lanka. Further, the association of psychological distress and the health-seeking behaviors of loaders with CWP was assessed in this study.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in a convenience sample of 174 loaders in the main bazaar, Pettah, Sri Lanka. A criterion given in the “Manchester Definition” for CWP was used for the identification of CWP. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale was used to identify the psychological distress. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data with SPSS version 21.Results: The mean age (SD) of the study participants was 42.65 (±12.21)ranged between 19 and 66 years. The level of education of the majority (61.5%) were between grade 6-11. The mean working years as a loader was 20.84 years and the mean weight that the participants carried per turn was 62kg. The prevalence of CWP was 18.4% (n=32) and the lower back pain was the most prevalent (64%) individual problem. High level of stress was perceived by 51.7% of the study participants. Age and the perceived stress were significantly associated with the CWP (p<0.05). Most of the participants (88%) used substances and among them 29.6 % used substances to relieve pain. High level of perceived stress was found in 51.7% of loaders.Conclusion: CWP is a significant occupational health issue which is associated with high level of stress among loaders in Pettah, Sri Lanka.