High Prevalence Of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Articles

A meta-analysis of the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among rehabilitation therapists

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in rehabilitation therapists. Methods: In September 2023, the computer searched Chinese and English databases such as CNKI database, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, VIP Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase database, etc. The retrieval time was from the establishment of the database to September 2023. Musculoskeletal disorders, rehabilitation therapists were selected as search terms, and the author, publication time, prevalence rate, and study type were analyzed. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) tool and The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) were used to evaluate the quality of the literature. Stata 15.0 software was used for meta-analysis. Results: A total of 28 literatures were included, including 8039 rehabilitation therapists. Meta-analysis showed that the overall prevalence rate of WMSDs among rehabilitation therapists was 72% (95%CI: 64%-80%). The top 3 annual prevalence rates were lower back (51%, 95%CI: 38%-64%), neck (42%, 95%CI: 30%-54%) and shoulder (32%, 95%CI: 23%-41%). The top 3 weekly prevalence rates were lower back (47%, 95%CI: 28%-65%), neck (35%, 95%CI: 14%-55%) and back (30%, 95% CI: 17%-44%) . Conclusion: The higher prevalence of WMSDs in rehabilitation therapists, especially in the lower back, neck, shoulder and back, may be related to the prolonged stouching posture and the continuous or repeated exertion of the upper limbs.

Social determinants and work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Brazil.

This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) and their association with individual and contextual factors in the Brazilian population. This quantitative cross-sectional study used secondary data from the Brazilian National Health Survey from August 2013 to February 2014. The dependent variable included WMSD, and independent variables were analyzed as individual and contextual factors. WMSD was mostly prevalent in females, individuals aged 43 to 59 years, with chronic physical or mental disorders, reporting frequent sleep disorders, and performing integrative and complementary health practices, physical exercise or sports, and heavy physical activity or housework. Regarding contextual factors, high social classes and proportion of individuals with formal work were associated with a high prevalence of WMSD, whereas a high Gini index was associated with a low prevalence. Thus, a high prevalence of WMSD in the Brazilian population was associated with individual and contextual factors, which should be the target of health professionals for actions of promotion, prevention, and intervention at individual or collective care levels.

The effect of the ergonomic intervention program on work-related musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare professionals

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are the most common work-related disorders and describe a wide range of degenerative and inflammatory states that affect blood vessels, peripheral nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Healthcare as a special sector has almost the highest prevalence of WRMSDs in the world, far ahead of construction, mining, and manufacturing. Studies conducted in the EU and the USA indicate that health-care professionals most often have a problem with the lower back between 50% and 57% of cases, resulting in an average loss of more than 7 working days during 1 year. Methods: This study included 177 health professionals of both genders who are actively involved in the provision of health-care services. The study was conducted in the Public Health Center of Sarajevo Canton, which provides primary and specialist consultative healthcare services. The study was designed as a prospective, longitudinal, interventional, and descriptive-analytical that included all respondents who met the inclusion criteria. The instruments used in the study are the standardized Dutch Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, modified according to our study, the standardized work ability index, and the ergonomic intervention program (EIP). Results: The highest frequency of work-related MKDs in health-care professionals before and after implementation of the EIP was in the neck area (83.1% before, 64.9% after), in the upper back region (71.8% before, 56.5 % after) and in the lower back region (68.4% before, 55.9% after). The average score of the working ability index before the introduction of the EIP was 35.44 ± 8.59, while after the implementation of the EIP it increased statistically significantly and amounted to 38.40 ± 7.30. Conclusion: The EIP influenced the reduction of the MKDs frequency caused by work, and increased the working capacity of health-care professionals.

Analysis of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among automobile manufacturing logistics workers in Guangzhou

Objective: To investigate the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in logistics workers of automobile manufacturing enterprises in Guangzhou, and explore their potential categories and influencing factors, so as to provide basis for the prevention and control of WMSDs in logistics workers of automobile manufacturing enterprises. Methods: From April to May 2020, a convenient sampling method was adopted to select 1442 logistics workers in 2 automobile manufacturing enterprises in Guangzhou as the research objects. The incidence of WMSDs among them was investigated by using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire, and the incidence pattern of WMSDs among the subjects was analyzed by the method of potential category analysis. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression model were used to analyze the influencing factors of the disease. Results: The total prevalence of WMSDs was 42.9% (619/1442). The three parts with high prevalence of WMSDs were neck (23.5%, 339/1442), shoulder (21.3%, 307/1442) and lower back (19.1%, 275/1442). 69.0% (427/619) of the patients showed simultaneous disease in two or more sites. The subjects were divided into four latent groups by the analysis of latent categories: the group with multiple body parts (4.51%), the group with very low or no disease (70.39%), the group with shoulder and neck and upper back (11.37%), and the group with limbs and lower back (13.73%). Multivariate logistic regression showed that compared with the "very low or no disease group", the risk factors of multiple body parts of automotive logistics workers suffering from WMSDs mainly included: Working posture uncomfortable (OR=3.10, 95%CI: 1.44~6.70, P=0.004), often bend and turn (OR=2.36, 95%CI: 1.05~5.29, P=0.037), bend your knees homework for a long time (OR=2.29, 95%CI: 1.17~4.47, P=0.015) ; Working posture uncomfortable (OR=2.26, 95%CI: 1.51~3.38, P<0.001), bending the neck (OR=1.68, 95%CI: 1.03~2.74, P=0.036), neck minister time keep the same position (OR=1.81, 95%CI: 1.22~2.67, P= 0.003) It is a risk factor for shoulder, neck and upper back WMSDs; Risk factors for limb-lower back WMSDs include: Length > 10 years (OR=2.16, 95%CI: 1.24~3.78, P<0.001), the working position uncomfortable (OR=2.38, 95%CI: 1.63~3.48, P<0.001), bending the neck (OR=1.66, 95%CI: 1.03~2.68, P=0.039) . Conclusion: The prevalence rate of WMSDs among logistics workers in automobile manufacturing enterprises is high, which has obvious characteristics of classification and comorbis, and is closely related to individual characteristics such as sufficient rest time and working posture of workers.

Epidemiological study of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and related risk factors among automobile maintenance workers.

The automotive industry is labor-intensive, and workers are involved in highly repetitive tasks, long hours, and medium to low workloads, resulting in work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), which have become a major health concern for workers in this industry. China is a major automotive country with tens of thousands of auto repair workers, but their conditions of WMSDs have been poorly reported. This work aimed to analyze the current prevalence of WMSDs and their associated risk factors among automobile maintenance workers. A total of 539 respondents from 50 automotive repair and maintenance companies in China were selected to investigate the prevalence of WMSDs via the modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire. Chi-square test and logistic regression models were applied to analyze their associated risk factors. The total prevalence of WMSDs among 539 workers was 32.8%. The top three body parts for prevalence were the lower back (17.1%), neck (16.3%), and shoulders (14.5%). The highest prevalence of WMSDs was found in the neck (23.6%) and lower back (14.3%) for sheet metal workers and mechanics, respectively, whereas painters had the highest prevalence of WMSDs in the lower back and feet (both at 15.4%). Logistic regression analysis showed that females were at higher risk of WMSDs than males (OR 5.027, [95% CI] [1.278-19.772], p < 0.05). Workers subjected to uncomfortable positions were at increased risk of WMSDs (OR 1.79, [95% CI] [1.333-2.410], p < 0.01). The prevalence of WMSDs is high among automotive maintenance workers, with the highest prevalence in the lower back (17.1%). Uncomfortable working postures and frequent repetitive movements with lower limbs and ankles at work may be important risk factors.

Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing, China.

The workers in emerging manufacturing are at decreased risk of traditional occupational diseases, while probably at increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of WMSDs among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing. A total of 3,359 valid questionnaires were collected from 10 enterprises in the electronics, pharmaceutical, and motor manufacturing industries. The prevalence of WMSDs was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The work posture load was evaluated through a questionnaire. The results showed that the highest prevalence of WMSDs was observed in part of the neck (15.0%), followed by the lower back (12.5%), shoulders (11.2%), and upper back (7.1%). Female workers, workers aged older than 35 years, workers with a BMI of ≥28 kg/m2, longer working experience, never exercised had a higher prevalence of WMSDs. Logistic regression analysis showed that female workers, workers aged older than 35 years, with a middle school education and college degree, and workers who never exercised had a higher risk of WMSDs. In addition, workers who sat for long during work, worked hard with upper limbs or hands, worked in uncomfortable postures, and performed repetitive operations were positively related with the increased risk of WMSDs. These findings suggested that WMSDs were prevalent among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing, China, while efforts should be made to reshape the risk factors associated with WMSDs, such as prolonged sitting, uncomfortable positions, and repetitive operations. Encouraging exercise and promoting ergonomic interventions probably be also benefit to induce the risk of WMSDs.

Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Quality of Work Life Among a Nigerian University Academic Staff

Musculoskeletal disorders are commonest work-related illnesses causing significant economic burden in terms of lost wages, treatment, and compensation. The study assessed the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSKD) and quality of work life (QWL) among University of Medical Sciences academic staff. Fifty nine academic staff (36 males, 23 females) were purposefully recruited for the study. Questionnaire on Nordic, Quality of work life and Visual Analogue Scale were used to assess the prevalence WRMSKD, QWL and pain intensity. Questionnaires were given the respondents; they were retrieved after they due completion. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Alpha level was set at P&lt;0.05. Results showed that 51 (86.4%) reported 12-months prevalence of WRMSKD. Thirty-six respondents, (61%); reported WRMSKD in the last 7 days. The body part most affected was the neck (33 55.9%); 51(86.4%) reported that pain was caused by work. There was an inverse relationship between pain intensity and each of work experience (r = -0.289, P = 0.026), cadre (r = -0.312, P = 0.016) and extra working hours (r = -0.372, P = 0.004). This study showed that there was high prevalence of WRMSKD among academic staff and neck was most prevalent. Pain intensity was inversely related to each of the work experience, cadre, and extra-working hours.

Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Traffic Police in Rawalpindi and Islamabad

A significant increase in the population in the last few decades in Pakistan has made controlling vehicular traffic an extremely challenging duty for traffic police personnel. Consequently, traffic police personnel are at risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). Therefore, the need to determine this risk is important. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of WRMSDs among traffic police officers. It was a cross-sectional survey conducted within the premises of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. A questionnaire was distributed to 320 traffic police personnel. Active service traffic police having job experience of more than a year were included. Pregnant women and individuals with certain pathologies were excluded from the study to make the study bias-free. Data were collected using the convenient sampling technique. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was incorporated in the survey to determine the prevalence of WRMSDs among traffic police in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, while questions related to occupation and demographic data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire. Most of the participants (70%) reported pain. This study reported low back (43%) as the most common region for pain, followed by the neck (31%), upper back (26%), shoulder(21%), knee(18%), ankle(13%), and wrist(7%). Traffic police have a high prevalence of WRMSDs. This study supports the need for ergonomic intervention at job sites and modifications in the fitness training of traffic police.

Ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Mohs histotechs.

Mohs histotechs are at high risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) due to repetitive motions, forceful exertions, and fixed postures required for their work. Psychosocial factors such as perceptions of pressure to achieve deadlines may exacerbate risk of occupational injury. To assess the prevalence of and risk factors for WRMSD in Mohs histotechs, an online survey was created using literature review, expert opinion, and two validated instruments (the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory) and distributed to Mohs histotechs. 88% of respondents reported musculoskeletal problems in 2 or more of the 9 body sites assessed in the past year. Standing during specimen processing was correlated with having neck pain and upper back pain, while sitting was protective against lower back pain. Individuals that felt that they could not take breaks or slow their pace of work were more likely to report pain at multiple body sites. Total pain scores were significantly lower in those reporting extensive ergonomic training. There is a high prevalence of WRMSD in Mohs histotechs. Addressing poor posture as well as psychosocial risk factors could further reduce injury.

Investigating factors affecting musculoskeletal disorders: Predictive models for identifying caregivers at risk

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common work-related injuries identified among caregivers in the health sector as a high-risk group. The study aimed to investigate the factors that influence musculoskeletal disorders among caregiver and to evaluate the relationship between work and non-work related factors with MSDs. Data were collected from 104 caregivers using descriptive design and stratified cluster sampling. The survey included a demographic questionnaire and a Nordic Standardized musculoskeletal questionnaire. Logistic regression was performed to determine the risk factors associated with MSDs. The Odds ratio (OR) was calculated to define the influence of each risk factors. In addition, we used forward logistic regression analysis to validate the predictive model. In this cross-sectional survey, the results showed that 70 (67.3%) participants reported MSDs. MSD was highest at the lower back (46% ), then knee (15.4%) and shoulder (11.5% ). The overall success of the prediction is 90.4% (94.6 for having MSDs). The most important risk factors were manual handling (p < 0.001, odds ratio = 45.64) followed by bending (p = 0.008, odds ratio = 39.4). The results of this study reaffirmed the high prevalence of work-related MSD among caregiver's primarily in the lower back. The most important risk factors were manual handling, followed by bending / twisting, and handling of an excessive number of patients. Therefore, it is necessary to consider appropriate policies for managing MSDs among caregivers.

Prevalence and pattern of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among Nigerian bricklayers.

Typically, bricklayers in developing countries' contexts manually lay bricks, concrete blocks and other similar materials to construct walls and buildings which make them susceptible to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). The burden of WRMSDs among this high-risk group seems has not been well documented. This study examined the prevalence of WRMSDs among bricklayers in Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of 118 consenting bricklayers from a Nigerian setting was carried out. The standardized Nordic musculoskeletal disorder questionnaire and a proforma were used to profile the prevalence of WRMSDs and socio-demographic information of the respondents. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Alpha level was set at p < 0.05. The 12-months and 7-days prevalence of WRMSDs were 87.3% and 67.4%. Shoulder (61.0%) and the low-back (59.3%) were the two most affected anatomical sites based on 12-month prevalence. WRMSDs affecting the knees (6.8%) was the most disabling in carrying normal work routines. Working for less than 10 years was significantly associated with high prevalence of WRMSDs in the shoulder (odd ratio (OR) = 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.09 to 0.87) and wrist region (OR = 0.24, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.73). Having neck pain led to higher odds (OR = 0.29, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.68) of taking a break from work among the bricklayers. WRMSDs were high among Nigerian bricklayers. Years of work experience was associated with high prevalence of WRMSDs in the shoulder and wrist. In addition, taking work breaks was associated with neck pain.

Risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among welders in the informal sector under resource constrained settings.

Welding tasks involve the use of awkward working postures and repetitive movements and therefore pose a risk for developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs). This study aimed to assess the prevalence, severity and risk factors for WRMDs among welders in the informal sector. A total of 128 welders (33±10.5 years) were purposively selected from three urban centers in Zimbabwe. WRMDs were assessed using a Modified Cornell Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (MCMQ). The Quick Exposure Check (QEC) and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) were used for postural risk analysis. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Analyses showed a high prevalence of pain in the lower back (78%), right shoulder (66%), left hand wrist (62%) and right hand wrist (61%). With regards to the severity of lower back pain, 4% reported low pain, 24% mild pain and 48% were severe cases of pain. Elevated grand REBA scores were significantly associated with self-reported in various body regions. Multinomial regression analyses showed that smoking, prolonged working hours and not engaging in physical activities were significant predictors for pain. High job satisfaction and taking adequate work-rest breaks were protective factors for WRMDs (p < 0.05). There is a high prevalence of WRMDs among welders due to individual and work-related risk factors. Ergonomics education is required to address the risk factors for and progression of WRMDs among welders.

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Their Associated Risk Factors among Pakistani Dental Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have a negative impact on quality of life, and dentists are at risk of WMSDs due to the nature of work being static, repetitious, and for a long duration. The study was aimed at measuring the prevalence and distribution of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and determining the risk factors associated with affliction among Pakistani dentists. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was conducted using a validated questionnaire consisting of four sections. The first section had questions related to sociodemographic information, the second section had questions that assessed the intensity and frequency of musculoskeletal pain (MSP), third section questions were concerned with the effect of MSP on the respondents' daily life, while the last section contained questions on whether they perceived their work in the dental clinic as a cause of their pain. Chi-square and one-way ANOVA tests were used for the analysis of the data in SPSS-23. Results A total of 600 completely filled questionnaires were received with a response rate of 76.4%, and about 87% of the dental practitioners had some sort of MSD. The intensity and frequency of WMSDs were statistically significant (p < 0.05) in association with all the sociodemographic characteristics. The lower back area was the most reported site of WMSD pain (51.3%) followed by the neck/upper back (21.3%) and shoulder (17.6%). The site of pain was statistically significant (p < 0.05) in association with all the sociodemographic characteristics except gender (p = 0.11). A majority of participants (95.4%) had sought medical treatment and taken sick leaves (70%) due to WMSDs pain during their life. Participants attributed a number of working years and working posture as the two main reasons behind WMSDs. Conclusion Considering the high prevalence of WMSDs among dentists, preventive strategies that minimize the occurrence of WMSDs should be adopted by dental professionals. The impact of WMSDs can be reduced by maintaining good posture, taking breaks and rest in between work, doing regular exercise, and improving the work environment.

The Perception of Nursing Professionals Working in a Central Sterile Supplies Department regarding Health Conditions, Workload, Ergonomic Risks, and Functional Readaptation.

Background The central sterile supply department (CSSD) is wrongly seen as a place in the hospital environment that does not require skills and physical effort, being commonly a hospital sector for the relocation of functionally-readapted professionals. However, CSSD is a work environment that demands professional experience and presents itself as a sector that does not have a healthy work environment. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of comorbidities and functionally-readapted people among nursing professionals allocated to a CSSD and, also, to seek the perception of these professionals about the ergonomic risks and the degree of difficulty to perform activities within a CSSD. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that analyzed the opinions of nursing professionals who work in the CSSD of public hospitals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Nurses, nursing technicians and nursing assistants aged ≥18 years were included. Results Seventy-two nursing professionals were consecutively evaluated. It was observed that 43 of them (59.7%) had never worked in a CSSD. The most prevalent comorbidity in the present study was chronic rhinosinusitis, observed in more than half of the sample, although it is interesting to note the high frequency of participants with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) and repetitive strain injuries (RSI). There is a relationship between previous work in a CSSD and the ability to identify surgical tweezers by visual recognition (p=0.031). There is a relationship between the time the participant had previously worked in the hospital and the skill regarding the information contained in the conference folders for preparing the tray surgical procedures (τb = −0.34, p=0.001). Conclusion Almost a third of nursing professionals working in a CSSD are rehabilitated, with a high prevalence of WMSD and RSI. The commitment of managers to an internal health policy aimed at workers is necessary for health promotion.

Association of Physical Activity and Quality of Life with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in the UAE Young Adults.

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) pose threat to the global economy and work productivity. Though growing evidence shows physical activity and quality of life are major determinants for WRMSDs, the association between physical activity and the quality of life among the young adults of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains unclear. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a total of 507 young adults who were between the ages 18–35 years were administered an interviewer-based survey on musculoskeletal disorders, physical activity, and quality of life. The association between the potential determinants and the WRMSDs was analyzed using linear and logistic regression models. Results: High prevalence (75%) of WRMSDs was found among the UAE young adults. Participants with low leisure-time physical activity had few WRMSDs. There was no significant association between physical activity or quality-of-life scores with the incidence of WRMSDs although physical activity time was highly associated with the quality of life, especially the social domain. Conclusion: Though a high prevalence of WRMSDs among UAE men and women was found, neither physical activity nor the quality-of-life scores determined the incidence of WRMSDs.

ERGONOMIC INVESTIGATION AND ASSESSMENT OF MOTORCYCLISTS MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

Motorcycles have become a mean of transportation in our rural and urban area in Nigeria. This cross sectional study was conducted in Abeokuta Ogun State to assess the work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among the motorcyclist between October 2021 and January 2022 using snowball techniques. A structured modified Nordic Musculoskeletal disorder questionnaire (SNMQ) was administered to four hundred and fifty (450) motorcyclists. The result shows that 91.6% (412) of the motorcyclist participated. Furthermore, 76.1% of the cyclist experienced daily pains and 81.6% reported major pains in body parts. However, the results also show that major affected body regions were lower back (81.6%), leg (61.2%), upper back (82.0%), shoulder (55.1%), neck (82.5%), knee (73.3%), wrist/hand (98.8%), thigh (91.3%), ankle/feet (78.9%), ears (80.3%), eyes (59.0%), head (63.1%) respectively. The study concluded that high prevalence of WRMSDs existed among the commercial motorcyclists as a result of working hours, sitting posture, smoking and alcoholic drinking. Reduction of these symptoms could be achieved through the reduction of working hours.

Ergonomic Task Analysis for Prioritization of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Mango-Harvesting Farmers

This paper proposes a mixed ergonomic tool analysis algorithm to prioritize work-related musculoskeletal problems. This study is a cross-sectional study assessing the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) with associated risk factors among 14 male mango-harvesting farmers (all right-handed) with the mean age of 52.28 ± 7.75 years. Four tasks following mango-harvesting processes were analyzed: (1) mango harvesting, (2) mango transporting, (3) mango size sorting, and (4) mango weighing and transporting to the truck. The perceived physical exertion while working on a mango-harvesting farm was based on the Borg CR-10 with a modified Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. Physical risk level due to awkward posture was evaluated by the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and risk due to whole-body posture in association with the level of WMSDs risk was evaluated by the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) score sheets. The subjective feelings of fatigue and posture analysis were normalized and combined using the theorem of power superposition to establish the fatigue effective index (FEI) for determining priorities to solve ergonomics-based task problems. This study indicated clearly that WMSDs are highly prevalent in mango-harvesting farmers, whereas the highest prevalence of WMSDs was reported in the right shoulder, right upper arm and lower back. The result provided the FEI of mango-harvesting farmers, ranked as follows: (1) size-sorting task, (2) weight-lifting task, (3) harvesting task, and (4) transporting task. The authors concluded that mango size sorting should be the first task to be improved to resolve the muscle fatigue problems among male mango-harvesting farmers.

Effectiveness of training program in manual material handling: A health promotion approach

BACKGROUND:Even in an era of automation and digitalization, Manual Material Handling (MMH) can be called the most common industrial task. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) induced by manual handling tasks on the workers of a printing factory in Tehran in 2017 and then to evaluate the effectiveness of a training intervention based on health promotion.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This study had quasi experimental design and was conducted on 40 men. First, demographic data were collected and the Nordic questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of MSDs in workers. Then, MMH tasks were assessed using Manual Handling Assessment Chart (MAC). A short training course was designed to promote health. Finally, the same MMH tasks were re-evaluated 3 months after the training intervention.RESULTS:Among the various tasks, the highest prevalence of work-related MSDs (WMSDs) was observed in the lower back (77.5%) and shoulder (62.5%). Based on the final scores of the MAC method, the jobs that received the highest scores were cutting (individual lifting), with 22 scores and action level “immediately necessary,” cutting (individual load carrying), with 15 scores with action level “urgently needed.” Arranging the forms (individual lifting) received a similar score. After the training intervention, the estimated risk level reduced by 12, 9, and 6 points, respectively, reaching a safe action level, i.e., “necessary in the future.”CONCLUSION:The results demonstrated that educational interventions might be equally effective in low-technology work environments. More in general, the MAC method can be used to make informed planning of educational interventions against WMSDs risk in MSDs. This health promotion approach is critical for care of human recourse.

Self-Reported Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Factors among Restaurant Workers in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020.

Introduction Globally, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have resulted in occupational disability and injury. Of these, restaurant workers are among the high-risk professionals usually affected by WMSDs. In Ethiopia, evidence on the burden of musculoskeletal disorder and contributing factors among restaurant workers were very limited. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of self-reported WMSDs and contributing factors among restaurant workers in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia, 2020. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2020 to March 2020 among restaurant workers in Gondar city. A two-stage sampling technique was used to choose 633 study subjects. A structured Nordic questioner was used to collect the data. Data was entered into EpiData version 3.1 and exported to Stata version 14.0 for analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were computed. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to measure the association between WMSDs and independent variables. In the multivariable analysis, a P value of <0.05 was used to declare a statistically significant association. To check the goodness of fit, the Hosmer and Lemeshow test was used. Results The prevalence of WMSDs among restaurant workers in the past 12 months was 81.5% [95% CI (78.18–84.44)]. Attending primary education [AOR: 2.14, 95% CI (1.17–3.90)], attending secondary education [AOR: 1.71 (1.02–2.86)], and job satisfaction [AOR: 1.90, 95%CI (1.13–3.19)] were significantly associated with WMSDs. Conclusion In this study, the prevalence of WMSDs among restaurant workers was high. The upper back, lower back, elbow, and wrist were the most affected body parts. Age above 30 years, educational status being primary and secondary, and being dissatisfied by their job were positively associated with a high prevalence of WMSDs.

Association of working hours, job position, and BMI with work-related musculoskeletal disorders among the physiotherapists of Gujarat\u2014an observational study

BackgroundPhysiotherapists are prone to develop work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Region wise distribution and frequency of work disturbance have been studied in physiotherapists but exploration of the probable association of working hours, job position, and body mass index (BMI) with WMSDs is not adequately done in the Gujarat, India. Hence, the present study was undertaken to investigate these aspects among the physiotherapists of Gujarat.ResultsAn online cross-sectional survey including 322 physiotherapists was conducted and the data was collected after gaining informed electronic consent. Present study showed no significant co-relation between job position (0.602), weekly working hours (0.930), and BMI (0.589) with WMSDs prevalence. The 1-year work disturbance and 1-week musculoskeletal difficulties were found to be due to low back-related complaints (35.09%, 33.85%).ConclusionIt is inferred that high prevalence of WMSDs in physiotherapists may be due to one of various factors including job position, working hours, and BMI but they are not significantly correlated with WMSDs.