Impact Of Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Articles

Impact of musculoskeletal disorders in patients using orthopedic equipment on sternotomy wound healing after cardiac surgery - preliminary report.

The presence of locomotive disorders may negatively impact the outcome of cardiac surgeries. This retrospective study aimed to assess the effect of preoperative diagnosis of locomotive disorders requiring the continuous use of orthopedic devices on postoperative rehabilitation and stable sternum adhesion. The study included 122 patients who underwent cardiac surgery, with 68 patients in the study group having a musculoskeletal disorder and 54 patients in the control group without such disorders. Preoperative demographic, clinical, and laboratory data as well as postoperative rehabilitation and sternum adhesion were evaluated. The results showed that patients in the study group had lower levels of calcium (p < 0.001), vitamin D (p < 0.001), and creatine kinase (p = 0.022) prior to the surgery. In the early postoperative period, 8 patients from the study group and 4 from the control group required reoperation due to sternal instability (p = ns). In the late postoperative period, sternal instability was present in 2 patients from the study group and 3 from the control group (p = ns). The survey study revealed a significantly better (p = 0.029) evaluation of postoperative rehabilitation among the study group patients. Overall, the results indicated that a preoperative locomotive disorder has no significant impact on sternal instability in the early or late postoperative periods. However, patients with such disorders have a better understanding of the importance, purpose, and course of rehabilitation after cardiac surgery and exhibit lower levels of calcium, vitamin D, and creatinine.

A qualitative study of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among midwives in selected hospitals in Ho municipality, Ghana

Objective and rationaleThe study sought to explore the experiences of midwives at selected hospitals in the Ho municipality regarding work-related musculoskeletal disorders, the predisposing factors, the impacts on them, and their coping strategies to mitigate the effects of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. MethodsThis study adopted a qualitative research approach with a phenomenological study design. Purposive sampling was employed in this study to select participants. Data was collected and recorded on voice recording devices from fifteen (15) midwives through an interview using a semi-structured interview guide. Data was manually transcribed and analyzed using thematic content analysis. ResultsThe four emerging themes include: the lived experiences of midwives regarding musculoskeletal disorders, predisposing factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders, impact of musculoskeletal disorders, and coping strategies of midwives. These themes were further expanded by their sub-themes in describing musculoskeletal conditions, onset, understaffing of midwives, awkward posture assumption during care delivery, limited logistics, struggle with quality of life, impaired work performance, rest and good body mechanics, and teamwork. ConclusionTo lower the rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among midwives and increase work efficiency and productivity, educational programs on prevention and coping mechanisms for musculoskeletal disorders should be made mandatory for midwives.

A Review of Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Rubber Tappers in Thailand, Malaysia, India, and Sri Lanka

Rubber tapping is regarded as an occupational risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The impact of MSDs on the individual and their ability to work varies significantly from person to person. MSDs can cause work-limiting pain and fatigue which many people feel unable to disclose. A literature review of 14 papers on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among rubber tappers research in four selected countries Thailand, India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. The highest number of articles were identified from Thailand, the country having the highest production of rubber. Follow by India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. Ergonomic risk factors cause wide range of occupational related diseases among agriculture workers especially rubber plantation population. In view of limited study on prevalence of MSD among rubber tapper in Malaysia, this study was attempted to determine the prevalence of MSD among rubber tapper based on article selection. The highest number of articles were identified from Thailand, the country having the highest production of rubber.

Sex differences in the impact of musculoskeletal disorders on health-related quality of life: a population-based study, Campinas, SP - ISACamp 2014/15.

This article aims to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MD) on the adult population of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, verifying associated demographic and socioeconomic factors, and to analyze their impact on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) according to sex. A population-based study was conducted with 2,166 individuals using data from the ISACamp 2014/15. The Medical Outcomes Study SF-36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to measure HRQoL according to MD. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated by Poisson regression. Musculoskeletal disorders had a prevalence of 8.5% (6.7% tendonitis and 2.7% work-related musculoskeletal disorders - WMSD). Results showed a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in women, active or on leave due to illness, and in individuals with higher education levels. Moreover, reduced HRQoL scores were observed in 6 of the 8 domains, due to MD. The mental component and physical component showed greater impairment respectively among women and men after self-reported WMSD. These findings point to substantial damage from musculoskeletal disorders on the population's HRQoL. WMSD affect the HRQoL of men and women distinctly.

A Study to Assess Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dental Practitioners

Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dental practitioners. The study seeks to understand the occurrence and severity of MSDs in different anatomical regions, identify associated risk factors, and propose preventive measures through ergonomic interventions. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional research design was employed, and a total of 500 dental practitioners from various institutions were recruited as the study sample. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire consisting of sections on demographic information, work-related factors, and musculoskeletal symptoms. The presence and intensity of MSD symptoms in the neck, back, shoulders, and hands were assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). A subset of 50 participants underwent an objective musculoskeletal assessment to validate self-reported symptoms. Results: The study sample included a diverse representation of dental practitioners, with an average age of 39.5 years and an average of 12.8 years of experience in dental practice. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was found to be highest in the neck region (62%), followed by the shoulders (57%), back (45%), and hands (42%). The severity of pain was rated using the VAS, revealing the discomfort experienced by dental practitioners in specific anatomical regions. Discussion: The study highlights the significant prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among dental practitioners, with the neck being the most commonly affected area. The findings underscore the importance of addressing ergonomic issues and implementing preventive measures to promote the musculoskeletal health and well-being of dental practitioners. Further research is needed to explore the association between work-related factors and MSDs among dental professionals to devise targeted interventions. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the need to assess and address MSDs among dental practitioners to enhance their occupational health and overall well-being. Implementing ergonomic interventions and promoting preventive measures are vital in reducing the burden of MSDs in the dental profession.

Prevalence and factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among hand surgeons.

BACKGROUNDThe nature of tasks required by hand surgeons require both forceful and repetitive maneuvers, thus subjecting these surgeons to the risk of musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries during their years in practice.AIMTo assess the prevalence, characteristics and impact of MSK disorders among hand surgeons.METHODSA modified version of the physical discomfort survey was sent to surgeons who were members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand via e-mail. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, and Fisher's exact test. P values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.RESULTSOf the 578 respondents, 60.4% reported that they had sustained a work-related MSK injury, of which the most common diagnoses were lateral elbow epicondylitis (18.7%), low back pain (17.1%) and carpal tunnel syndrome (15.6%). Among those that reported an injury, 73.1 % required treatment and 29.2 % needed time off work as a direct result of their injury. The number of work-related injuries incurred by a surgeon increased significantly with increasing age (P < 0.003), increasing years in practice (P < 0.001) and higher case load (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONTo our knowledge this study is the first of its kind to assess MSK injuries sustained by Hand surgeons with a high incidence. These results should increase awareness on this aspect and fuel future studies directed at preventing these types of work-related injuries, thus minimizing the financial and psychological burden on these surgeons and the healthcare system.

Impact of musculoskeletal disorders on various agricultural operations: a systematic review

Impact of musculoskeletal disorders on various agricultural operations: a systematic review

Musculoskeletal disorders and perceived physical work demands among offshore wind industry technicians across different turbine sizes: A cross-sectional study

Offshore wind service technicians (WTs) inspect, maintain, operate and repair wind turbines, and are frequently exposed to ladder climbing, manual handling activities and work in awkward postures, all known risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. Our primary aim was to assess the prevalence, severity and impact of musculoskeletal disorders among WTs and their perceived physical work demands, specifically related to the turbine size serviced (work site). We collected data using a cross-sectional survey including WTs (n = 176) from Denmark and the United Kingdom. Musculoskeletal disorders were assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and physical demands were reported with duration considered in response categories and turbine size (Small, Medium, Large) defined by reported work site. Descriptive statistics, analyses of variance and logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the odds of experiencing poor health and performance outcomes between turbine sizes. Our results showed that the population was young (37 ± 8 years), male-dominated (99% males) and with low seniority (81% with less than 10 years) in the wind industry. WTs servicing larger sized turbines were less likely to experience musculoskeletal disorders (OR 0.15 [95% CI: 0.04 to 0.58]) and generally reported lower physical work demands compared with small turbines. Overall, we found a high prevalence (68%) and severity (median of 5 (0–10 NRS)) of musculoskeletal disorders across body parts and turbine sizes. The overall high but turbine size-specific prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and physical work demands may inform decisions on required levels of health promotion and suitable preventive strategies in the offshore wind industry going forward.

Impact of musculoskeletal disorders on healthy life expectancy in Japan

Impact of musculoskeletal disorders on healthy life expectancy in Japan

Work-related musculoskeletal injuries among upper extremity surgeons: A web-based survey.

BACKGROUNDWork-related injuries have gained recent attention, especially in the orthopaedic literature. As upper extremity orthopaedic surgical tasks require repetitive and constant maneuvers, these surgeons can be at increased risk of acquiring work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders during their years in practice. AIMTo assess the prevalence, characteristics and impact of MSK disorders among upper extremity orthopaedic surgeons.METHODSA modified version of the physical discomfort survey was sent to surgeons who were members of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and the Canadian shoulder and elbow society via e-mail. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, and Fisher's exact test. P values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTSOf the 142 respondents, 90.8% were males and the majority were younger than 55 years old (65.5%). A work-related MSK injury was reported by 89.4% of respondents, of which the most common diagnoses were low back pain (26.1%) and lateral elbow epicondylitis (18.3%). Among those that reported an injury, 82.7% required treatment and 26% required time off work as a direct result of their injury. The need to undergo treatment due to the injury was associated with increased number of injuries (P < 0.01). Moreover, surgeons were more likely to require time off work when they had been in practice for > 21 years (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONA high proportion of surgeons in our survey reported MSK injuries, with more than one quarter of surgeons reported requiring time off work due to an MSK injury. The high incidence of these disorders may place a financial and psychological burden on surgeons and affect their ability to provide patient care. Awareness of operative ergonomics, irrespective of surgical specialty may help to decrease or possibly prevent the occurrence of these disorders.

Impact of musculoskeletal disorders on healthy life expectancy in Japan

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders are a key cause of morbidity in elderly people. How musculoskeletal disorders relate to healthy life expectancy remain elusive. Hence, we aimed to estimate gains in healthy life expectancy from the elimination of musculoskeletal diseases and injuries by using recent national health statistics data in Japan.MethodsMortality data were taken from Japanese national life tables and death certificates in 2016. Information on medical diagnoses, injuries, and activity were obtained from the 2016 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions. We examined five disorders: rheumatoid arthritis, arthrosis, low back pain, osteoporosis, and fracture. The prevalence of limitations in activities of daily living (ADL) in the population after eliminating the disorder was estimated as the proportion of outpatients without the disorder and ADL limitations, inpatients without the disorder in hospitals and clinics, and people without the disorder who reside in long-term elderly care facilities.ResultsThere were small gains in life expectancy from elimination of all selected musculoskeletal disorders (0.0–0.1 years). Elimination of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and fracture slightly increased the expected years without activity limitation (0.1–0.4) and slightly decreased years with activity limitation (0.1–0.4 years). Meanwhile, elimination of arthrosis, low back pain, and arthrosis and low back pain moderately increased expected years without activity limitation (0.3–1.5 years) and decreased years with activity limitation (0.3–1.5 years). In addition, elimination of rheumatoid arthritis, arthrosis, low back pain, osteoporosis, and fracture decreased expected years with ADL limitations (0.0–0.8 years) and non-ADL limitations (0.0–0.3 years). A combination of arthrosis and low back pain showed a moderate decrease in expected years with both ADL limitations (0.7–1.1 years) and non-ADL limitations (0.3–0.4).ConclusionsThese findings provide clinical evidence that among the musculoskeletal disorders low back pain and arthrosis are the key factors for the elongation of healthy life expectancy.

Impact of musculoskeletal disorders on quality of life of patients visiting tertiary care hospital.

To determine the impact of musculoskeletal disorders on patients' quality of life. The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan, from September 2018 to March 2019, and comprised patients of either gender having a variety of musculoskeletal disorders. Data was collected using a validated EuroQol-5-Dimension-3-Level scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Of the 377 participants, 204(54.1%) were males, and 173(45.9%) were females. The overall mean age was 35.9±12.5 years. Muscular weakness was the most commonly encountered problem 153(40.6%), followed by muscle stiffness 49(13.0%) and adhesive capsulitis 39(10.3%). Patients with musculoskeletal disorders had moderately good 'health state today' score of 56.03±20.175 on VAS. Musculoskeletal disorders were found to have a negative impact on quality of life and health status of the patients.

Burden of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Recent Dental Graduates in Saudi Arabia: A National Survey

Introduction: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are one of the most prevalent occupational hazards affecting dental professionals. Aim: To assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of MSDs among recent dental graduates in Saudi Arabia and evaluates their practice of ergonomics as well as the impact of MSDs on their daily activities. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among all dental interns (n=1552) who graduated from dental schools in Saudi Arabia in the academic year 2018-2019. Data was collected between January 2019 to March 2019 through online survey via SurveyMonkey™. Through the questionnaire, data about participants’ demographics, symptoms of MSDs in the previous 12 months, preventive ergonomic working practices, effects of MSDs on their daily activities, and coping strategies were collected. Descriptive statistics, including mean±Standard Deviation (SD) were computed for continuous variables, while frequencies and percentages were computed for categorical variables. Results: In total, 889 dental interns participated in this study (response rate of 57.3%). A total of 54.3% of the participants experienced symptoms of MSDs in atleast one body part in the previous 12 months. The neck (41%), shoulder (37%), and lower back (31.9%) were the most affected regions. Female interns demonstrated a significantly higher risk of presenting with MSDs than male participants (OR: 2.3, CI: 1.7, 3.1). Alternative therapy was the most reported strategy for dealing with pain (44%, n=190). In total, 58.2% of the interns who presented with MSDs had their daily activities affected (n=251). Conclusion: MSDs are significant health problems among recent dental graduates in Saudi Arabia affecting the daily activities of the majority of those affected. Females were at higher risk of developing MSDs than males. To prevent this issue, dental school authorities should develop and implement strategies to ensure effective integration of ergonomics education in dental school curricula.

P108 Awareness of musculoskeletal disorders and its health impact among civil servants in Malaysia: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract Background Work-related musculoskeletal disorders have been perceived as one of the reasons of declining work productivity in relation to absenteeism, sick leave or early retirement. We have determined the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among current working civil servants and have assessed the health impact of musculoskeletal disorders towards them or other people surrounding them. Methods Participants were given a self-administered questionnaire consisting of demographic data, experience of musculoskeletal disorders, perceptions, knowledge and attitudes towards musculoskeletal disorders. Out of 174 participants, 147 returned completed forms (response rate: 84.5%). Data were analysed using SPSS Statistics v22. Results The average age of the respondents with standard deviation was 39.9 ± 9.82 years and a majority were female (78.2%). Mean body mass index between the participants were 26.36 ± 5.26, normal to obese range. Most of the participants described their type of job as active in nature (51.7%) with a majority working 5-8 hours per day. Mean duration for years of working in service were 16.20 ± 9.53. Half of them had musculoskeletal pain within the last 3 months prior to the study date, with highest frequency over the knee joint (29.9%) followed by lower back (21.8%) and shoulder area (21.1%). From the multivariate logistic regression analyses, only 2 factors in the knowledge section showed statistical associations regarding questions asking whether the participants knew what arthritis was (p = 0.005), and if they experienced arthritis themselves (p = 0.002). We found that there were no significant associations between the race, education level, marital status, type of work, duration of work or body mass index (BMI) with the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain within the participants. Conclusion The majority of respondents had knee pain followed by lower back pain and shoulder pain. Although there is strong correlation between knowledge of arthritis among participants, majority of them cannot specify the type of arthritis correctly. As such, continuous health education and promotion of the programme is vital. Disclosures H. Ariff None. N. Shahril None. L. Eow None. W. Wan Musa None. S. Rajalingam None. M. Jeffrizal None. A. Ramlan None. S. Selvadurai None. D. Ang None. D. Suahilai None. L. Mohd Isa None.

Midwives are getting hurt: UK survey of the prevalence and risk factors for developing musculoskeletal symptoms

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence, severity and impact of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and to explore individual, work-related and psychosocial risk factors DesignA cross sectional survey SettingA self-reported online questionnaire was used to collect data over seven months (May-December 2016). ParticipantsThe survey was distributed to midwives across the United Kingdom through the Consultant Midwives Network and the Royal College of Midwives. Measurements and findingsPrevalence, severity and impact (12-month) of MSDs for nine body parts are presented. The associations between individual, occupational and psychosocial factors and symptoms are examined using Independent samples t-test or Chi-square statistical analyses, with Logistic regression analysis to understand the relative importance of variables. It was found that 92% of the participants reported MSDs, most commonly in the low back (71%), neck (45%) and shoulders (45%). Symptoms impacted on normal activities at work and/or leisure (50%), sick leave (30%) and jobs/duties (45%). Age and time practicing in midwifery were inversely associated with low back symptoms; reported less frequently with increasing age and experience. Longer working hours was a predictor for shoulder symptoms. Over commitment (intrinsic job stress) was associated with neck and more strongly with shoulder symptoms. Those caring for a dependent adult for more than 50 h a week were 4.54 times more likely to have neck discomfort. Key conclusionsThis first survey of UK Midwives reveals a very high prevalence of low back, neck and shoulder symptoms, resulting in sickness absenteeism, reduction in normal activities and changing roles. Age, years in practice, body mass index, working hours, job satisfaction and job stress are contributory factors. Implications for practiceThis study highlights the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal symptoms and the potential harmful impacts on their working life and patient care. The findings will promote risk-awareness and national actions for risk management.

183 Measuring the impact of musculoskeletal disorders, with and without other morbidities, on stopping work before state pension age: a retrospective nested case-control study

183 Measuring the impact of musculoskeletal disorders, with and without other morbidities, on stopping work before state pension age: a retrospective nested case-control study

Musculoskeletal disorders among orthopedic pediatric surgeons: an overlooked entity.

IntroductionForceful and repetitive maneuvers constitute the majority of pediatric orthopedic surgical tasks, thus subjecting surgeons to the risk of musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries during their years in practice. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, characteristics and impact of MSK disorders among pediatric orthopedic surgeons.MethodsA modified version of the physical discomfort survey was sent to surgeons who were members of the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America (POSNA) via e-mail. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, and Fisher’s exact test. p values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsOf the 402 respondents, 67 % reported that they had sustained a work-related MSK injury, of which the most common diagnoses were low back pain (28.6 %) and lateral elbow epicondylitis (15.4 %). Among those which reported an injury, 26 % required surgical treatment and 31 % needed time off work as a direct result of their injury. The number of work-related injuries incurred by a surgeon increased significantly with increasing age (p < 0.001), working in a non-academic institute (p < 0.05), working in more than one institute (p < 0.05), and being in active practice for >21 years (p < 0.05). The need to undergo treatment or take time off due to the injury was associated with increased number of injuries (p < 0.001). In addition, surgeons were more likely to require time off work when they were >56 years of age (p < 0.001), had been in practice for >21 years (p < 0.001), required surgical management of their disorder (p < 0.001), and had experienced an exacerbation of a previous disorder (p < 0.001).Discussion and conclusionThis study is the first of its kind to assess MSK injuries sustained by pediatric orthopedic surgeons. The high incidence of these disorders may place a financial and psychological burden on these surgeons and thus the healthcare system. These results should shed a light on awareness and the need for further studies to prevent and help decrease the incidence of these disorders not only in orthopedic surgeons but also in the surgical population in general.

The Role of Ergonomics in Sustainable Agricultural Development in Nigeria

Nigeria is mainly an agrarian society, with the majority of her rural populace involved in agriculture. Agricultural working conditions in Nigeria are extremely difficult due to severe environmental conditions, long working hours, strenuous work and the use of simple farm tools. The extreme working conditions can lead to the development of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), which have been recognized as the most prevalent of all safety issues in agriculture. This paper reviews the role of ergonomics on sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria. Agriculture plays a key role in the Nigerian economy and hence the need for sustained development within the sector. Ergonomic intervention in Nigeria was identified as a key driver for sustainable development while fostering safety and comfort of agricultural workers. Mechanization alone is not sufficient to achieve the desired development in agriculture due to the high cost associated with it, but with improvement on existing simple tools and modification of existing machines based on ergonomic considerations, sustainable development can be attained. The awareness of ergonomics among stakeholders in the sector and the impact of musculoskeletal disorders on Nigerian agricultural workers were reviewed. The benefits accruable from ergonomic intervention in Nigerian agriculture were also identified.

The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorder and Association with Productivity Loss: A Preliminary Study among Labour Intensive Manual Harvesting Activities in Oil Palm Plantation

Production agriculture such as harvesting in oil palm plantation has been frequently associated with MSD and significant loss of productivities. This study tends to evaluate from the viewpoint of health, the association between self-reported prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and productivities; the impact of musculoskeletal disorders on productivity. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 143 harvesters in oil palm plantation. A general questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic background data while Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of MSD. Expressed in 4 different indicators; daily harvesting quantity, efficiency score, sick leave and presenteeism, the productivity data were analysed for association. There is significant association between reported acute prevalence of MSD (within 7 d) and productivity loss in terms of presenteeism (χ2=5.088; p<0.05) as well as quantity of daily harvest (χ2=7.406; p<0.01). Logistic regression adjusted for age, BMI and smoking indicate that harvesters with MSD (past seven days) were more likely to be engaged in presenteeism (OR=2.87 95% CI=1.34, 6.14) and had lower daily productivity (OR=2.09 95% CI=1.02, 4.29) compared to harvesters without MSD (past 7 d). This study reveals that oil palm harvesters suffering acute MSD (for the past week) were likely to be still present to work and produce half lesser than their healthy counterparts. Thus, further study with comprehensive surveillance strategy is essential in order to determine the urgency or need of appropriate intervention.

Prevalence, Pattern and Impact of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Sewing Machine Operators in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria

Objective: Work related musculoskeletal disorders have been described as the most notorious and common cause of severe long term pain and physical disability affecting hundreds of millions of people across the world. The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence, pattern, impact, risk factors and the most frequently affected anatomical parts of the body in musculoskeletal disorders among sewing machine operators. Materials and Methods: The study design was a cross sectional descriptive survey design. All subjects were evaluated using a 32-item questionnaire including items about demographic and impact of musculoskeletal problems. The intensity of the pain was assessed by visual analogue scale. Results: A 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was observed to be 92.0%. The result showed that the most commonly affected body part was the low back (78.6%). The mean number of years of sewing experience of the participants was 10.0 ± 2.5 years with majority, (51, 25.8%) having worked for 1-5 years and 9 (4.7%) participants having just worked for less than a year. The four major job risk factors identified in this study were prolonged sitting (99.4%), sitting on a high chair (76.5%), sitting without back rest (71.5%) and sitting on a low chair (24.0%). The age, frequency of sewing and years of sewing experience on sitting to sew, standing to cut and ironing were significantly associated with prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusion: There was high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among sewing machine operators. Age, frequency of sewing and years of sewing experience could predispose to the occupational risk of musculoskeletal disorders.