Prevalence and healthcare seeking practice of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among informal sectors of hairdressers in Ethiopia, 2019: findings from a cross-sectional study

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders: prevalence, associated factors, and impact on quality of life among kitchen workers in hospitality industry, Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023

Introduction

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are considered major public health problems globally, deteriorating the quality of life of workers in various occupations. Kitchen work is reported as among the occupations most prone to these maladies. Nevertheless, prevalence of WMSDs, contributing factors, and impacts on the quality of life of hospitality industry kitchen workers are insufficiently documented in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of WMSDs, their associated factors, and impact on the quality of life of hospitality industry kitchen workers in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from 17 April to 17 May 2023. A total of 422 participants were included using a simple random sampling technique. WMSDs were evaluated using an interviewer-administered Nordic standardized questionnaire. The short form-36 questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. The data were collected using the Kobo tool box. SPSS version 26 software was used to perform both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses. Independent t-tests were used to show the impact of WMSDs on quality of life scales across groups with and without WMSD symptoms.

Result

In this study, the response rate was 98.34% (n = 415). The 1-year prevalence of WMSDs among kitchen workers was 82.7% [95% CI: (79.1, 86.3)]. Age group between 30 and 39 years [AOR: 2.81; 95% CI: (1.46-5.41)], job dissatisfaction [AOR: 2.45; 95% CI: (1.34-4.45)], anxiety [AOR: 2.26; 95% CI: (1.12-4.52)], prolonged standing [AOR: 3.81; 95% CI: (1.58-9.17)], and arm overreaching [AOR: 2.43; 95% CI: (1.34-4.41)] were significantly associated factors with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders had a significant impact on all quality of life dimensions, in which the mean SF-36 scores of participants with WMSDs were lower than those of their non-WMSD counterparts.

Conclusion

This study revealed that the prevalence of WMSDs was relatively high. Age between 30 and 39 years, job dissatisfaction, anxiety, prolonged standing, and arm overreaching were identified as significant determinants of WMSDs among kitchen workers in hospitality industries. The presence of one or multiple WMSDs, in turn, is associated with worse quality of life dimensions of individuals.

Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in Ethiopia: Evidence from a workplace cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are the leading cause of disability worldwide. Shopkeepers are prone to developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders, but they are largely overlooked in research and policy actions, particularly in developing countries. So far, there is a lack of data on the magnitude and factors influencing work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in Ethiopia. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in Gondar City, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A workplace-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2022, in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 625 shopkeepers. The data were collected using an interviewer-administered standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Analysis was made using Stata version 14. Factors associated with the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders were identified using the multivariable Poisson regression model. The adjusted prevalence ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and p-value < 0.05 were applied to establish the significance of associations.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in the past 12 months was found to be 81.1% (N = 507). The most frequently affected body part was the lower back (46.6%), followed by the upper back (43.8%) and shoulder (35.4%). Being female (p = 0.043), being in the age group of ≥40 years (p = 0.028), being overweight (p = 0.035), experiencing job stress (p = 0.006) and prolonged sitting (p = 0.045) were significant factors for the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that shopkeepers face an alarmingly high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Female, older, overweight, stressed and shopkeepers who sit in the same position for long periods of time were identified as particularly vulnerable groups. These findings call for the urgent development and implementation of preventive measures, including ergonomic adjustments, education and training programs, stress management techniques and the promotion of physical activity, to protect this vulnerable workforce from the debilitating effects of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and to ensure their long-term health and well-being.

Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among cashiers in small-scale businesses: a cross-sectional study in Ethiopia

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders among cashiers in small-scale businesses in Northwestern Ethiopia.

DESIGN

A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2022. The data were collected using a validated and standardised Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The collected data were entered into EpiData V.4.6 and analysed using Stata V.14. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to ascertain the significance of associations at p<0.05 and the adjusted OR (AOR) with a 95% CI.

SETTING

The study was conducted in small-scale businesses in the North Gondar Zone.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 618 cashiers participated in this study.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome of the study is the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, which was measured using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire.

RESULTS

The response rate was 97.5% (N=618). The majority (373; 60.4%) of the study participants were female. The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 30 (±8.3) years. The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders during the last 12 months was found to be 75.4% (n=466) (95% CI 71.8%, 78.8%). Marital status (married) (AOR=2.12; 95% CI 1.26, 3.56), lack of physical exercise (AOR=2.07; 95% CI 1.32, 3.23), alcohol consumption (AOR=3.55; 95% CI 2.18, 5.78) and awkward work posture (AOR=2.40; 95% CI 1.43, 4.0) were significant factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders among sampled cashiers.

CONCLUSION

This study concluded that the overall prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was high among cashiers in small-scale businesses. Being married, a lack of physical exercise, alcohol consumption and awkward work posture were significant factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. To reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders, it is recommended taking part in physical activity, avoiding alcohol consumption and avoiding awkward work posture.

Occupational respiratory morbidity and associated factors among hairdressers in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with occupational respiratory morbidity among hairdressers in Northwestern Ethiopia.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was conducted from 6 July 2022 to 17 August 2022. The data were collected using a standardised American Thoracic Society questionnaire. The collected data were entered into EpiData V.4.6 and analysed using Stata V.14. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with occupational respiratory morbidity. The association was determined using an adjusted OR (AOR) with a 95% CI at a p value of <0.05.

SETTING

The study was conducted in Gondar city, Northwestern Ethiopia.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 403 hairdressers participated in this study.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome is the prevalence of occupational respiratory morbidity.

RESULTS

The total response rate was 95.5%. The majority, 250 (62%) of the respondents were women. The mean age (±SD) of the respondents was 27 (±6.0) years. The overall prevalence of occupational respiratory morbidity during the past 12 months was found to be 134 (33.3%) (95% CI (28.7% to 38.1%)). Female hairdressers (18.6%) showed greater respiratory morbidity than male hairdressers (14.7%). Working experience 3-5 years (AOR: 3.05; 95% CI (1.76 to 5.30)) and working experience >5 years (AOR: 6.22; 95% CI (2.73 to 14.16)), overweight (body mass index (BMI)) (AOR: 3.01; 95% CI (1.19 to 7.58)) and working near roadsides (AOR: 2.15; 95% CI (1.33 to 3.37)) were risk factors of occupational respiratory morbidity among hairdressers.

CONCLUSIONS

This study concluded that one-third of hairdressers experienced occupational respiratory morbidity. Longer work experience, higher BMI and working near roadsides were identified as significant risk factors for respiratory morbidity in hairdressers. Dietary calorie restrictions for overweight individuals and the development and implementation of air pollution mitigation measures targeted at roadside workers are advised to curb the problem.

Shoulder work-related musculoskeletal disorders and related factors of workers in 15 industries of China: a cross-sectional study

Background

Changes in modern industrial production practices can easily lead to shoulder work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). The current reports on shoulder WMSD are limited to some industries are less well studied, and the sample size is usually small. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and severity of shoulder WMSD in a large sample of Chinese workers from 15 industries, analyze the possible correlations with sociodemographic and work-related variables, and compare the differences between industries.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 55,749 participants from 252 enterprises in 15 industries throughout China. A Chinese version of the musculoskeletal disease questionnaire was used to collect the demographic factors, shoulder symptoms in past 12 months, and work-related factors including posture-related factors, repetition, vibration, work organization, job control, and environmental factors as independent variables. Descriptive statistics were used, and the binary logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the association between shoulder WMSD and potential demographic and work-related factors.

Results

Nearly 35.5% of participants reported shoulder pain and discomfort in the previous 12 months. Biopharmaceutical manufacturing (56.2%), medical services (54.4%), and aviation services (50.1%) were the three industries with the highest prevalence of shoulder WMSD. The pain score of aviation services workers was the highest. The related factors for shoulder WMSD varied among the different industries.

Conclusion

Our study found a relatively high prevalence of shoulder WMSD in China. There were large differences in the prevalence of shoulder WMSD among industries, and the related factors were particular to each industry. Such information is useful to help occupational health practitioners and policymakers conduct preventive programs to reduce shoulder disorders in these working populations.

Occupational-Related Upper and Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Pain Among Working Population of Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background:

Currently, work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a significant public health concern and are a leading cause of disability-adjusted life years and reduced quality of life worldwide. In developing countries, including Ethiopia, as a result of poor occupational health and safety practices and underreporting of the problems, work-related musculoskeletal disorders have been increased, remaining less prioritized, and there is no adequate evidence on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Thus, the current study aimed to determine and provide the overall prevalence of occupational-related upper and lower extremity musculoskeletal pain among the working population of Ethiopia.

Methods

The current study considered full-text articles conducted in Ethiopia, written in English, and published from 2017 to 2020. Ten electronic databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, MedNar, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, African Index Medicus, and African Journals Online database were used to search the articles using a combination of Boolean logic operators (AND, OR, and NOT), Medical Subject Headings, and main keywords. The quality assessment of the articles was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools to determine the relevance of the article to the current study.

Results:

Of the 1377 articles identified from the included electronic databases, 12 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The study found that the pooled prevalence of occupational-related elbow pain, wrist/hand pain, knee/leg pain, foot/ankle pain, and hip/thigh pain in the previous one year was 19.7% (95% CI: 12.3, 30.1), 24.2% (95% CI: 17.4, 32.7), 25.0% (95% CI: 18.5, 32.8), 20.2% (95% CI: 12.8, 30.4), and 15.5% (95% CI: 9.9, 23.4), respectively. Based on a subgroup analysis, the last year’s pooled prevalence of occupational-related elbow, wrist/hand, knee/leg, foot/ankle, and hip/thigh pain was increased to 33.7% [95% CI: 31.9, 35.5], 29.7% [95% CI: 28.2, 31.2], 31.5% [95% CI: 29.9, 33.2], 30.6% [95% CI: 29.0, 32.4], and 27.3% [95% CI: 25.5, 29.2], respectively.

Conclusion:

Occupational-related musculoskeletal disorders continue to have a potential impact on workers’ health and productivity. The current study found that the overall pooled prevalence of occupational-related upper and lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders in the last year ranged from 15.5 to 33.7%. Implementing occupational health and safety measures play an important role in preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders and other occupational hazards.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated risk factors among urban metropolitan hairdressers in India

Objectives

Ergonomic hazards account for a substantial proportion of work‐related diseases and injuries among hairdressers. Awkward posture during work, repetitive movements, prolonged standing, and long working periods to carry out work activities cause mechanical load on the joints and work‐related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study investigated the musculoskeletal problems among urban hairdressers and associated risk factors.

Methods

This study investigates the prevalence of WMSDs among 768 study subjects (384 hairdressers and control subjects each) from Ahmedabad and New Delhi metropolis in India. Univariate statistical analysis was carried out along with 95% confidence interval for effect estimates.

Results

Findings reveal that the nearly half of the hairdressers suffered from knee and foot pain (49.5%), followed by lower back pain (39.8%) and upper back pain (38.8%). The neck pain and shoulder pain were reported by more than 25% hairdressers. The odds of developing neck pain (OR = 2.04; 95% CI 1.37‐3.06) and shoulder pain (OR = 1.85; 95% CI 1.25‐2.73) were significantly higher than control. The female hairdressers were more likely to experience work‐related musculoskeletal disorder (OR = 2.63; 95% CI 1.18‐5.86) than male counterparts. Hairdressers within the age of 18‐35 years had significantly higher occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders with longer duration of working hours at the workplace. Longer daily work hours (>12 hours) posed significantly higher risk (OR = 2.47; 95% CI 1.39‐4.38) of experiencing MSD for hairdressers.

Conclusion

A very large proportion of hairdressers suffered with work‐related musculoskeletal disorders. The long daily working hours and gender of the hairdresser are associated with increased risk of developing WMSDs.

Prevalence of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Factors Among Bank Staff in Jimma City, Southwest Ethiopia, 2019: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Work-related musculoskeletal disorder is one of the most important public health problems throughout the world. However, there is a paucity of knowledge on work-related musculoskeletal disorders among bank staff in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among bank staff in Jimma city, Ethiopia.

METHODS

Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 20 to August 20, 2019. A simple random sampling technique was used. Data were collected by pre-tested interviewer-administered standardized Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaires. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. A logistic regression analysis was done. A variable having a p-value <0.25 in a bivariate analysis was taken into multivariate analysis to avoid the potential effects of confounders. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were calculated at a 95% confidence interval to see the strength of association. A significant association was set at a p-value <0.05.

RESULTS

Data were collected from 335 study participants. The overall prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders during the last 12-months was 245 (73.1%). The most affected body parts were lower back 181 (54%), neck 152 (45.4%), upper back 143 (42.7%), and shoulder 127 (37.9%). Work experience [AOR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.05-4.43], alcohol consumption [AOR: 3.44, 95% CI: 1.29-9.18], awkward posture [AOR: 4.09, 95% CI: 2.20-7.61], working in the same position for two or more hours [AOR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.05-3.89] and job stress [AOR: 3.20, 95% CI: 1.67-6.15] were factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was common among bank staff. Preventive strategies such as using ergonomic guidelines and giving awareness on the effect of bad posture, avoiding prolonged working in the same position were recommended. Using ergonomic guideline is helpful to create a suitable working environment that fit employee's physical capability.

The Prevalence of and Risk Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders in Thai Oil Palm Harvesting Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common in various occupations. However, there is still limited research about the prevalence of, and risk factors associated with, MSDs among oil palm harvesting workers in Thailand. To investigate the prevalence of MSDs and risk factors associated with MSDs in Thai oil palm harvesting workers, face-to-face interviews were conducted with Thai oil palm harvesting workers in Krabi Province, Thailand, using a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of four sections which included information on demographic characteristics, work-related characteristics, job stress, and MSDs. A total of 334 oil palm harvesting workers participated in the current study. The prevalence of MSDs during the past 12 months was 88.0%. Lower back MSDs had the highest (59.0%) 12-month prevalence among oil palm harvesting workers, followed by shoulder (37.1%) and neck (27.2%). Factors associated with lower back MSDs included type of task, heavy lifting, and job stress. Moreover, type of task, repetitive movement, and job stress were associated with shoulder and neck MSDs. The cutters had a higher risk of having shoulder and neck MSDs, primarily due to the fact that their work involved cutting the fresh fruit bunches from high up in the trees. The collectors had more back issues due to the heavy lifting. These findings showed the need to raise awareness, and to design guidelines and interventions to prevent MSDs in oil palm harvesting workers.

Osteomuscular symptoms on motorcycles in the city of Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil, West Amazon

ABSTRACT

Musculoskeletal disorders gradually affect workers in different parts of the world, compromising their occupational health and quality of life. Professionals exposed to these symptoms include the motorcycle taxi driver, whose pain is due to the overuse of the musculoskeletal system and little time to recover it.To identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in motorcycle taxi drivers in the city of Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil, West Amazon.Cross-sectional study, involving 296 motorcycle taxi drivers in the city of Rio Branco-Acre, Brazil, male, from December 2016 to February 2017. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to collect information related to symptoms (pain, discomfort, or numbness) in the last 7 days of work. For the exclusion criteria were, being female; not reside outside the city of Rio Branco, Acre; having less than 3 months of work activity; not be carrying out their work activities at the time of application of the protocol; be limited by clinical or physical issues at the time of application of the protocol. The data obtained in the questionnaire were entered into the Epidata program (Epidata Association, Odense, Denmark) and then transferred to the STATA 10 statistical program (Stata Corp., College Station), for categorization and statistical analysis.The study population is over 36 years old; most reported having a partner and a higher education level. The average daily working hours of the participants were 12 hours, with the majority working over 12 hours daily. Most of the epidemiological variables factors were associated with musculoskeletal pain when the prevalence and prevalence ratio analyzes were performed. Higher prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the lumbar region is with 17.9%. In the lower limbs, the most affected joint was the ankle (5.7%), followed by the hip (5.07%) and knee (5.07%), respectively. Insomnia was present in 55.35% and self-reported headache in 49.4% of participants.The musculoskeletal disorders generated by the daily service of motorcycle taxi drivers are directly affecting the quality of life of these professionals.

Occupational Related Upper and Low Back Pain Among the Working Population of Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Back pain, such as upper and low back pain are among the most common musculoskeletal conditions that can cause major public health and socioeconomic problems. Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability that reduces worker performance and well-being and increases absence from work, which can cause an enormous economic burden. In developing countries, particularly in Ethiopia, there is no adequate evidence on the overall prevalence of occupational-related upper and low back pain, and they remain less prioritized and empirically unrepresented. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational-related upper and low back pain among the working population of Ethiopia.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis considered studies conducted in Ethiopia, written in English, and published from 2017 to 2020. Articles were searched from 9 electronic databases (Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, African Index Medicus, African Journals Online database, and Science Direct) using a combination of Boolean logic operators, Medical Subject Headings, and main keywords. The quality assessment of the articles was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools to determine the relevance of the articles to the study. A random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence, the 95% confidence interval, and the degree of heterogeneity among the included studies. Sensitivity analyses were performed to identify the influence of outliers and to identify sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Of the 1114 studies identified from the included databases, 20 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of occupational-related upper and low back pain in the previous year was (27.1% [95% CI: 18.4, 37.9]) and (54.2% [95% CI: 48.2, 60.0]), respectively. Based on a subgroup analysis by publication year, study population, and regions where the studies were conducted, the prevalence of upper back pain was (43.8% [95% CI: 39.3, 47.7]), (34.7% [95% CI: 33.1, 36.2]), and (36.2% [95% CI: 33.6, 39.0]), respectively, while the prevalence of low back pain was (61.8% [95% CI: 58.9, 64.6], (52.8% [95% CI: 51.3, 54.3]), and (55.2% [95% CI: 51.4, 59.0]), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review and meta-analysis found that 54.2% of the included study participants experienced low back pain in the previous year, while 27.1% experienced upper back pain. The highest prevalence was reported among pedestrian back-loading women.