Musculoskeletal and Upper Limb Disorders among Informal Sector Broom Weaving Workers

Abstract

This cross-sectional analytic study aimed to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal and upper
limb disorders (MSULDs) and related risk factors among broom weaving workers employed in the informal
sector. Study participants were 80 Rom Suk Broom Weaving workers, residents of the Pungtui sub-district,
Nampong district, Khon Kaen province. They were selected by purposive sampling. Data were obtained by
using a structural questionnaire, measurements of workplace lighting intensity, and assessment of physical
fitness had been done as well. Descriptive statistics in calculating frequency, percentages, mean and standard
deviation (SD) were applied. Inferential statistics used had been the Chi-squared test and Fisher’s exact test.
Among the 80 workers, 53.8% were female, and 46.3% were male. The age ranged between 18 to 57
years. Most of them finished primary school (90.0%). The majority of the broom weaving workers mentioned
that they are only mildly stressed (46.3%), while 33.8% had a somehow higher stress level which was
categorized as moderate. For 48.8% of those being questioned broom weaving was their major occupation
while 47.5% also were active as farmers. The average income was 5,200 baht (SD=983.81) per month The
majority of broom weavers were sitting on chairs with backrests (48.8%) while working, whereas 32.5% were
sitting on the floor. For those sitting on the floor 65% of them did so without extra support for their backs. Light
intensities at the workplace were measured to be 63-462 lux. (Standard= 300 lux) Sufficient lighting was found
only for 25% of all workplaces. The prevalence of MSULDs among workers was 83.75%, predominantly
located at the neck (31.3%) low back (28.8%), shoulder (25%), and wrist (15%). The main symptoms had been
muscle fatigue (90%) caused by prolonged sitting in the same posture at work (92.5%). The assessment of
physical fitness showed that hand grip strength and flexibility among workers were sufficient up to quite good.
The strength of the back muscles was low up to sufficient. Age,gender,light at the workplace,backrest of seats,
hand grip strength of female workers and back strength of workers were significantly correlated with MSULDs.
The findings of a high prevalence of musculoskeletal and upper limb disorders and the correlation of
risk factors to the disorders lead to the suggestion that the working conditions of broom weaving workers
should be improved. Special attention should be given to the improvement towards better ergonometric
working conditions in order to avoid uncomfortable postures of the workers. Health promotion and formulating
guidelines for the furnishing of sufficient working places to prevent musculoskeletal disorders among workers
with repetitive works are recommended. The muscle endurance assessment can be modified so it can be used
for the occupational diseases surveillance program for relieving back pain among workers of the informal
sector with similar working conditions as described here for broom weaving.