Prevalence and Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders among Farmers

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with the musculoskeletal disorders among farmers. Of these, 215 samples were agricultural workers living in Maprang Nuea sub-district, Wang Wiset District, Trang Province. The data were collected by using questionnaires, assessment form of ergonomics, posture ergonomics in all-body work and musculoskeletal disorders. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression. The results showed that the musculoskeletal disorders were found among farmers during the 7 day period, i.e. hip/buttock/thigh (23.26%), lower back (21.86%), wrist/hand (21.86%) and knee (15.35%), respectively; during the 12-month period, were lower back (24.19%) wrist/hand (22.33%) and hip/buttock/thigh (19.53%), respectively. It was found that during 7 days, factors such as the BMI factor (AOR = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.18-0.84) and arm and leg muscle strength (AOR = 8.64, 95%CI: 2.37-31.48) were significantly associated with the musculoskeletal disorders; during 12-month period the factor such as arm and leg muscle strength (AOR = 3.76, 95%CI: 1.27-11.17), sitting or standing for continuous work without changing posture (AOR 0.46, 95%CI: 0.23-0.93) and torso twisting while working (AOR = 2.46, 95%CI: 1.13-5.36) were significantly associated with musculoskeletal disorders.