The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Welders and Non-Welders in Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeria: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal symptoms in welders may affect their health and quality of life. This study determined the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among welders compared to non-welders and determined the body part(s) mostly affected.

METHODOLOGY

The study is a comparative cross-sectional study. 142 welders and 136 security officers in Ikenne local government area of Ogun State, Nigeria were included in the study. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to obtain information on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Descriptive statistics methods were used to summarize the data. Chi-square bivariate analysis was conducted to test for associations between welders' occupational characteristics and the 12-month prevalence of back pain.

RESULTS

The mean age of respondents was 36.8±13.9 years and 36.7±9.4 for non-welders. Two-fifth (40.8%) of the welders had less than 10 years of work experience. About half (50.7%) of them worked six days a week, and many (54.9%) worked more than eight hours daily. The prevalence of back pain was higher among welders (74.6%) than in security officers (33.8%). This finding was significant (P<0.001). Also, knee pain was more common among welders (31.7%) compared to security officers (16.2%). The 12-month prevalence of back pain among welders and control was 74.6% and 33.8% respectively and knee pain among welders and control was 31.7% and 16.2% respectively. Both were statistically significant (p=0.001). In the last seven days, back pain was present more among welders than in controls (50.0% Vs 26.5%).

CONCLUSION

The study shows a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among welders compared to non-welders. The lower back is the part of the body most affected. Training and health education of the workers on the negative effect of musculoskeletal symptoms on the body, and the right posture to adopt at work would go a long way in reducing the occurrence of these symptoms.

Occupational Exposure to Welding Fumes and Associated Respiratory Morbidities among arc Welders in Ikenne, Nigeria

Background

Few studies have been conducted on the respiratory morbidities of welders in Nigeria, and further research is needed to determine the extent of fume exposure and the implicated metals at workplaces. This study was done to determine whether welding gases are associated with respiratory illness among welders in Ikenne Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Methods

A cross-sectional study comparing 142 welders and 142 controls was carried out. Lung function testing and clinical assessments were done. The Chi-square test & the independent T-tests were used to test for the association between socio-demographic characteristics and respiratory symptoms & the association between differences in means of lung function parameters among welders and controls respectively.

Results

Chromium, nickel, manganese, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide levels were higher than the recommended values. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) was significantly lower in welders (2.62±0.7) than in controls (2.81±0.7) (t=2.148, p<0.05). FEV1/FVC was significantly lower among welders (75±13.7) compared to controls (80.7±8.0). (t=4.165, p<0.001).

Conclusion

The study showed that the welders presented with more respiratory morbidities than the controls, this may be a result of exposure to high levels of welding fumes beyond the recommended values for prolonged periods without using personal protective equipment, which results in significant morbidities. There should be enforcement of basic workplace safety standards by ensuring that the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is enforced and the construction of workshops that are well-ventilated through the welders' association and relevant law enforcement agencies.