FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (MSDS ) AMONG SEED WATERMELON CONTRACT FARMING IN NONGRUA DISTRICT, KHON KEAN PROVINCE

Abstract

The study was cross-sectional analysis.  Aimed to identify factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and physical fitness among Seed Watermelon contract farmers in Nongrua District, Khon Kean Province. There were 259 workers included in the study and they were collected data by the questionnaires and the physical fitness test.  Factors correlated to MSDs were analysed by multiple logistics regression analysis at the significant p-value < 0.05.

            The results showed that most workers were female 67.57%, average age was 53.81 years, work experience of watermelon seed sales farmers was average 9.20 years. The prevalence of MSDs during the last 7 days (76.45 %) and 6 months (63.71%) were highest at the lower back (56.37%), followed by knee (23.55%), and calf (20.85%), respectively. The physical fitness showed that grip strength was at moderated level (29.73%), followed by a very good level (28.19%). Back strength was mostly at very low level (64.09%), followed by low level (33.20%). Leg strength was at low level (31.27%), followed by moderate level (21.62%). Factors associated with MSDs were chronic diseases (OR_adj = 4.57; 95% CI = 2.19-9.92;p-value <0.001), smoking (OR_adj = 4.12, 95% CI= 1.75-9.66; p-value= 0.001), awkward posture (OR_adj = 4.63; 95% CI = 2.11-10.12; p-value <0.001) and leg strength (OR_adj=3.22; 95% CI=1.69-6.13; p-value<0.001).

          This study indicated risk factors which were health status, working posture and working environment. The suggestion is that there should be health surveillance to prevent the musculoskeletal disorders among watermelon contract farmers. Public health related organizations should provide ergonomics training, occupational health services and improvement of working environment for contract farmers, to prevent chronic musculoskeletal diseases.