Musculoskeletal Disorders In Farmers Research Articles

Study of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Farmers Involved in Manual Paddy Bagging Task

Filling paddy bags by hand is a common task during harvesting, but it can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in various body regions. The current study aims to evaluate posture and find an association between MSDs and body posture scores. The Nordic questionnaire and rapid entire body assessment (REBA) were used to collect MSDs and postures from farmers. The MSD in various body regions (neck, elbows, hands, upper back, knees, ankles, lower back, hips, thighs, and buttocks) was found to be 6.7%, 10%, 3.3%, 6.7%, 16.7%, 20%, and 10%, respectively, during the last 12-month period. In REBA score findings, holding bags, filling the bucket, and the bag were found to have a very high risk of causing MSDs. Despite the fact that MSDs are not very common among farmers who engage in paddy bagging tasks, posture analysis reveals what causes MSDs. Further investigation is needed to improve and reduce MSDs.

DETERMINANTS OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS IN COFFEE PICKER IN KABUPATEN LUMAJANG

Musculoskeletal disorders become a attention in the Ocuupational health sector. One of the sectors that is affected is the agricultural sector. The results of previous studies indicate that musculoskeletal disorders in farmers will reduce up to 60% of farmer productivity. Musculoskeletal disorders are health problems that often occur in coffee pickers but are rarely noticed. Based on preliminary research from 30 respondents who were interviewed 100% of respondents claimed to experience rheumatic pain, cramps, sprains and numbness. Parts of the body that experienced complaints expressed by respondents had a variety of neck, right shoulder, left calf and waist. This complaint is an indication that coffee pickers have experienced musculoskeletal disorders. This study aims to analyze the musculoskletal disorders. The study was conducted on coffee pickers in 2 villages namely Tawon Songo and Jabon Villages Pasrujambe Kabupaten Lumajang with a total sample of 35 respondents taken by simple random sampling. The research design used was cross-sectional study. Based on the research results it was found that musculoskletal disorders were experienced by 32 respondents. Of the variables studied, two significant variables were risk factors for musculoskletal disorders, namely age (sig = 0.009) and burden (sig = 0.000).

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in agricultural farmers of Bhaktapur District, Nepal

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are present in a range of occupations. This is confirmed from a number of studies done around the world. However, few attempts have been done to document the presence of musculoskeletal disorders in occupational diseases in Nepal and there are hardly any studies done to see musculoskeletal disorders in farmers of Nepal. Nepal is an agricultural country and traditional practices in farming are adopted demanding a lot on the manual work.
 Objectives: Aim of this study is to find out the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in Bhaktapur district of Nepal.
 Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study design. A convenience sample of 246 farmers from Bhaktapur district, Nepal aged between 24-65 years, were included in the study. The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was a tool adapted to measure MSDs in the farmers. Descriptive analysis of data was done.
 Results: Farmers (n=246) reported pain in all the nine areas of the body mentioned in the questionnaire. More than 70% of farmers have some kind of musculoskeletal disorders. However, six major areas of pain were identified as: Neck-31(12.6 %), Shoulder-26(10.6%), Elbow- 30(12.2%), Low back- 89(36.2%), Knee- 53(21.5%) and ankle 32(13%).
 Conclusion: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in farmers is very high. Lack of awareness about the MSDs and improper knowledge of ergonomics causes the problems.

The prevalence and health impact of musculoskeletal disorders among farmers

Context: Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is common among farmers as agriculture work is highly physically demanding. India's 54.6% of the population is engaged in agriculture and allied activities. There is a need for accurate measurement and assessment of the impact of musculoskeletal conditions for public health action. Hence, in order to obtain prevalence and health impact of these problems as well as to evoke interest of researchers in this area, this study was conducted. Aim: To study the prevalence and health impact of MSD among farmers. Subjects and Methods: Study settings: Village from Sangli district. Study design: This was a cross-sectional study. Study subjects: Farmers of both sexes. Exclusion criteria: Farmers having history of arthritis or having MSD due to accidents. Sample size and sampling technique: Calculated sample 1150 from randomly selected village. Study tools: (a) Pro forma developed by investigator, (b) Modified Nordic Questionnaire, and (c) Ovako Working Posture Analyzing System. Statistical Analysis Used: Frequencies, percentages, Chi-square test, and binary logistic regression analysis was done with the help of SPSS software. Results: A total of 964 (83.8%) farmers experienced MSD in the last 1 year. Knee was the most commonly affected body part. Weeding with squatting position was most common posture. MSDs were significantly associated with age, addiction, and associated diseases. Binary logistic regression analysis concluded age, weight, height, and body mass index as strong predictors of MSD. Duration of disability as a result of MSD ranged from 1 to 190 days. Mean expenditure on medication was Rs. 3040.82. Conclusions: Prevalence of MSDs in farmers was high. MSDs had affected farmers adversely in terms of long disability days resulting into economic loss in terms of failure to work to earn and expenditure on treatment.

Biomarkers of systemic inflammation in farmers with musculoskeletal disorders; a plasma proteomic study

BackgroundFarmers have an increased risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) such as osteoarthritis of the hip, low back pain, and neck and upper limb complaints. The underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Work-related exposures and inflammatory responses might be involved. Our objective was to identify plasma proteins that differentiated farmers with MSD from rural referents.MethodsPlasma samples from 13 farmers with MSD and rural referents were included in the investigation. Gel based proteomics was used for protein analysis and proteins that differed significantly between the groups were identified by mass spectrometry.ResultsIn total, 15 proteins differed significantly between the groups. The levels of leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein, haptoglobin, complement factor B, serotransferrin, one isoform of kininogen, one isoform of alpha-1-antitrypsin, and two isoforms of hemopexin were higher in farmers with MSD than in referents. On the other hand, the levels of alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, alpha-1B-glycoprotein, vitamin D- binding protein, apolipoprotein A1, antithrombin, one isoform of kininogen, and one isoform of alpha-1-antitrypsin were lower in farmers than in referents. Many of the identified proteins are known to be involved in inflammation.ConclusionsFarmers with MSD had altered plasma levels of protein biomarkers compared to the referents, indicating that farmers with MSD may be subject to a more systemic inflammation. It is possible that the identified differences of proteins may give clues to the biochemical changes occurring during the development and progression of MSD in farmers, and that one or several of these protein biomarkers might eventually be used to identify and prevent work-related MSD.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12891-016-1059-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Farmers in Eastern Azerbaijan, Iran

Background/Objectives: The farming employs about half the world’s entire workforce. In most countries, farming is recognized as one of the most hazardous industries. Farming activities lead to awkward physical postures. These postures are: leaning, kneeling, crawling, bending, twisting to one side and repeated work that can result in physical stress and traumatic injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the ergonomic conditions and musculoskeletal symptoms among farmers in Eastern Azerbaijan, Iran. Methods/Statistical Analysis: This Descriptive-Analytical study was conducted on 130 farmers from different regions of east Azerbaijan who were between 16 to 80 years old and harvesting traditionally (not industrial). Nordic questionnaire (NMQ) was used for determining prevalence rate of musculoskeletal disorders. The postures and other ergonomic status of farmers were evaluated via REBA method. Regression and chi-square statistics tests were used to statistical data analysis. Findings: The obtained results indicated that the most reported musculoskeletal disorders in farmers are low back, wrist and ankles pain with 81.5, 40, and 30percent, respectively. Based on REBA final scores, 19 percent of farmer’s posture was at risk (4th risk level). The result also showedsignificant relationship between farmers Stature and low back pain (p-value <0.001). As well asthe relationshipbetweendifferent phase of farmingand REBA final scorewas significant (p-value <0.001). Application/Improvements: according to the results low back pain is the major problemamongfarmers caused duringcollection of harvests from farm. Results show that the harvesting have importance role in prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the different part of farmers body. Stature and age of farmers have considerable role in prevalence of farmer’s musculoskeletal disorders. This study showed that the studied farmers work condition is unacceptable and needs to be modified. Because, most of farming activities are done traditionally, Remedy actions to decline musculoskeletal disorders based on priorities canbe listed as training of principles of ergonomics in farming activities, regular examination, replacement of technical methods of farming (industrialized).

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Farmers of Kanpur-Rural, India

Background: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are prevalent and the impact is pervasive across a wide spectrum of occupations, as is evident from numerous studies conducted across the globe. However, there are very few studies that document the prevalence of MSDs in India, and there are hardly any studies that focus on the country’s farming community, which constitutes more than 58 percent of the Indian work force. Thus in the present study an attempt has been made to analyze the prevalence of MSDs in farmers of Kanpur-Rural, India. Methods: A sample of 300 farmers of Kanpur rural district, aged between 20-70 years, was selected. Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire to measure the musculoskeletal disorders was given to all the farmers. Results: Descriptive analysis of data identified four most common musculoskeletal disorders affecting the farmers of Kanpur-Rural: lower back pain (60%); knee pain (39%), shoulder pain (22%), and neck pain (10%); and a higher percentage of respondents indicated chronic affection persisting nearly a year as compared to those who were afflicted for around a week. Conclusion: Finding of the present study shows that yearly prevalence of MSDs in farmers of Kanpur-Rural, India is alarmingly high and it suggests that nearly 60 percent of Indian cultivators could be afflicted by this disease, which urgently needs to be corroborated by similar studies at the national level. Low back pain is the most prevalent type of MSDs affecting the famers. Knee, shoulder and neck pain are other important MSDs affecting farmers in the study area. Observations made during the present study suggest that poor postures and lack of ergonomic awareness in the farming community are the two principal causative factors contributing to the development of MSDs.

Musculoskeletal disorders in farmers: a review of recent studies

肌肉骨骼疾患(musculoskeletal disorders,MSDs)是影响肌肉、骨骼、神经、肌腱、韧带、关节、软骨和椎间盘的损伤和(或)功能障碍.在美国及德国等工业发达国家是一种法定职业病,在我国是一种工作有关疾病[1].鉴于当前工作人群MSDs的严峻形势,世界卫生组织将2000至2010年确定为"骨与关节病十年",以引起各国政府和科学工作者的重视.MSDs是造成工作人群作业能力下降和职业生命质量下降的重要原因之一[2].农业作为劳动力密集型产业,尤其受到MSDs的影响[3]。

Work-related musculoskeletal discomfort of dairy farmers and employed workers

BackgroundDairy farming is physically demanding and associated with a high frequency of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). This study investigated and compared work-related MSD, ergonomic work factors and physical exertion in farmers and employed farm workers on dairy farms in Sweden.MethodsThe study comprised 66 dairy farmers, and 37 employed dairy farm workers. A modified version of the general Standardised Nordic Questionnaire was used for analyses of perceived MSD in nine different parts of the body. Perceived physical discomfort was assessed using questions concerning ergonomic work factors. A rating scale was used for analyses of perceived physical exertion. Information about participant demographics was also collected. The response rate amounted to 70%.ResultsThe most frequently reported MSD in farmers and farm workers were located in the lower back (50% and 43%, respectively) and the shoulders (47% and 43%, respectively). MSD were also frequently reported in the neck (33%) among farmers, and in the hands/wrist (41%) among farm workers. MSD in the elbows (23%) and feet (21%) were significantly more frequently reported by farmers than farm workers (5%). Female farmers and farm workers both reported significantly higher frequencies of MSD in the neck (48% and 56%, respectively) and hands/wrists (44% and 61%, respectively) than their male colleagues (24% and 5%; 10% and 21%, respectively). In addition, female farm workers had significantly higher reported frequencies of MSD in the upper and lower back (39% and 61%, respectively) than their male counterparts (5% and 26%, respectively). Milking was perceived as a weakly to moderately physically demanding work task. Repetitive and monotonous work in dairy houses was the ergonomic work factor most frequently reported as causing physically discomfort among farmers (36%) and farm workers (32%), followed by lifting heavy objects (17% and 27%, respectively). Female workers had significantly more reported discomfort from repetitive and monotonous work than their male counterparts (50% and 16%, respectively).ConclusionDespite the technical developments on modern dairy farms, there is still a high prevalence of MSD and discomfort from ergonomic work factors, particularly among female workers.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among farmers: A systematic review

To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among farmers and to establish the most common regional MSDs reported. Comprehensive electronic searches of Pubmed, Web of Science, CINAHL, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Agris Database, and Cochrane Library were carried out using keywords for MSDs and farmers. Pooled estimates of prevalence with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for overall MSD prevalence and the most common regional MSDs reported. Twenty-four studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were incorporated into this review. From these studies, life-time prevalence of any form of MSD among farmers was 90.6% while 1-year MSD prevalence was 76.9% (95% CI 69.8-82.7). The majority of studies focused on spinal MSDs with low back pain (LBP) the most frequently investigated. Life-time LBP prevalence was 75% (95% CI 67-81.5) while 1-year LBP prevalence was 47.8% (95% CI 40.2-55.5). The next most common regional MSDs reported were upper (range 3.6-71.4%) and lower extremities (range 10.4-41%). The systematic review identified the prevalence of MSDs by body region in farmers and established that LBP was the most common MSD, followed by upper and then lower extremity MSDs. Reported trends suggest that the prevalence of MSDs in farmers is greater than in non-farmer populations. Case-definition uniformity among MSD researchers is warranted. More studies are needed regarding upper and lower extremity MSDs, gender, workplace, and task context of MSDs.

Musculoskeletal disorders in farmers and farm workers.

Farming is a physically arduous occupation and this places farm workers at potential risk of musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and knee, low back pain (LBP), neck and upper limb complaints, and hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). This review considers the epidemiological evidence concerning such risks. The strongest evidence relates to OA of the hip, for which the public health impact is likely to be considerable. There is also weaker, but suggestive evidence that farmers more often have knee OA and LBP than workers in occupations with fewer physical demands. Tractor drivers, in particular, seem to have more LBP. Relatively little information exists on the risks of soft tissue rheumatism in the limbs and neck. For some outcomes, the link with occupational risk factors (such as heavy loading of joints and whole-body vibration) is sufficient to suggest the course that future prevention should take, but for several outcomes more research is first needed.