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

Association of long working hours and multi-site work-related musculoskeletal disorders among transportation industry workers in Beijing, China

BACKGROUND

Long working hours can lead to a variety of diseases, while the relationship between long work hours and multi-site work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) remains unclear. This study aims to explore the association between working hours and multi-site WMSDs.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2636 transportation industry workers. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to assess musculoskeletal disorders. Workers were grouped by weekly working hours (≤ 40 h/wk, 40-55 h/wk, and ≥ 55 h/wk) to compare the prevalence of WMSDs. The correlation between different WMSDs sites and the influencing factors of multi-site WMSDs were analyzed by log-binomial model and logistic regression model.

RESULTS

897 (34.0%) participants faced long working hours. 995 (37.7%) participants suffered from WMSDs, while the highest prevalence of WMSDs symptoms occurred in neck (25.4%), followed by low back (18.4%) and shoulders (14.5%). Wrists WMSDs were associated with WMSDs in necks, shoulders, elbows, hips, and ankles (OR = 2.07-8.01). According to binary and multivariate logistic regression, the risk of WMSDs was higher in participants who worked 40-55 h/wk (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.09-1.56) and more than 55 h/wk (OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.46-3.16) compared to participants who worked less than 40 h/wk. Additionally, participants who worked 40-55 h/wk (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.09-1.78) and more than 55 h/wk (OR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.82-4.70) were more likely to suffer from WMSDs in three or more sites.

CONCLUSION

Long working hours were positively associated with multi-site WMSDs. Early preventive and management measures of long working hours and WMSDs are of importance.

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.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among various occupational workers in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are among the most common occupational diseases, affecting various sectors such as agriculture, small-scale industries, handicrafts, construction, and banking. These disorders, caused by overexertion and repetitive motion, lead to work absenteeism, productivity loss, and economic impacts. The aim of the study was to determine the magnitude of musculoskeletal disorders among different occupational workers in India.

METHODS

We identified studies reporting the prevalence of WMSDs using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire in different databases between 2005 and 2023 through searches on SCOPUS, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar. The required information was then extracted. A random effects model was used to pool estimates of prevalence with 95% CIs. Publication bias was assessed by applying funnel plots.

RESULTS

The 12-month prevalence of WMSDs was reported across several occupational groups, and the meta or the pooled prevalence was estimated as 0.76 (95% CI, 0.70 to 0.82) along with substantial variability in the prevalence estimates between different industries and studies. The meta-prevalence for low back pain was estimated as 0.60 (95% CI, 0.54 to 0.66). The meta-prevalence for neck pain was estimated as 0.40 (95% CI, 0.34 to 0.47) whereas for shoulder pain it was estimated as 0.36 (95% CI, 0.30 to 0.42), respectively. The risk of bias was statistically nonsignificant, and overall publication bias was low as per visual inspections from funnel plots.

CONCLUSIONS

WMSDs are prevalent across various Indian industries in significant proportions, particularly in agriculture, health care, and mining, leading to significant productivity loss and economic impact. The variation in prevalence highlights the need for sector-specific interventions. Addressing WMSDs requires comprehensive ergonomic and policy measures. Effective strategies are essential to mitigate these disorders' widespread impact.

Sinhala version of the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire: Cross-cultural adaptation and validation

BACKGROUND

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are highly prevalent among people who work in sedentary jobs. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) is a valid tool to assess WMSDs, but is not available in the local language of Sri Lanka (Sinhala).

OBJECTIVE

To cross-culturally adapt the original CMDQ from English to Sinhala and evaluate its psychometric properties.

METHODS

The linguistic and cultural adaptation of the CMDQ to the Sinhala (Si-CMDQ) language followed international guidelines. The adapted pre-version was tested for comprehensibility among 32 subjects from different educational and occupational backgrounds. The Content Validity Index (CVI) was computed with ratings from five experts. The questionnaire was validated further by 111 security guards employed at the university. The tool was validated with reference to the Numeric Rating Scale. Test-retest reliability was assessed at two time points one week apart and internal consistency was tested.

RESULTS

The Si-CMDQ showed adequate cross-cultural, content and construct validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. The Kappa coefficient showed excellent agreement between NRS and Si-CMDQ frequency scale. Spearman's correlation coefficients showed a moderate to a strong significant positive correlation between NRS and the severity scale of Si-CMDQ. The Kappa values for test-retest reliability were moderate to excellent for the three scales of CMDQ. The internal consistency was high.

CONCLUSION

The Si-CMDQ fulfilled the psychometric requirement for questionnaires. This tool will be beneficial to assess WMSDs among sedentary workers in different occupations in Sri Lanka.

Musculoskeletal disorders risk assessment methods: a scoping review from a sex perspective

The evidence points to differences in the impact of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in males and females due to different exposure to risk factors and inherent characteristics. To identify risks associated with MSDs, ergonomic assessment is carried out by applying various methods. The aim of this scoping review was to determine to what extent ergonomic assessment methods consider sex-related factors and if they were found to do so, to determine the extent of this consideration. A total of 31 papers on 32 ergonomic assessment methods were analysed in the review. Of these 32 methods, only 6 considered sex as an assessment parameter or when interpreting the results. The results revealed that the limited consideration given to the sex factor in ergonomic methods, together with the different impacts of MSDs and their consequences according to a person's sex, supports the importance of including sex factors in ergonomic assessment methods. Practitioner summary: This scoping review determined to what extent ergonomic assessment methods consider sex-related factors and if they do so, to establish the extent of such consideration. Of the 32 methods analysed, only 6 considered a person's sex. The results revealed that only a limited consideration is given to the sex factor in ergonomic methods.

Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing, China

Objective

The workers in emerging manufacturing are at decreased risk of traditional occupational diseases, while probably at increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of WMSDs among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing.

Methods

A total of 3,359 valid questionnaires were collected from 10 enterprises in the electronics, pharmaceutical, and motor manufacturing industries. The prevalence of WMSDs was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The work posture load was evaluated through a questionnaire.

Results

The results showed that the highest prevalence of WMSDs was observed in part of the neck (15.0%), followed by the lower back (12.5%), shoulders (11.2%), and upper back (7.1%). Female workers, workers aged older than 35 years, workers with a BMI of ≥28 kg/m2, longer working experience, never exercised had a higher prevalence of WMSDs. Logistic regression analysis showed that female workers, workers aged older than 35 years, with a middle school education and college degree, and workers who never exercised had a higher risk of WMSDs. In addition, workers who sat for long during work, worked hard with upper limbs or hands, worked in uncomfortable postures, and performed repetitive operations were positively related with the increased risk of WMSDs.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that WMSDs were prevalent among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing, China, while efforts should be made to reshape the risk factors associated with WMSDs, such as prolonged sitting, uncomfortable positions, and repetitive operations. Encouraging exercise and promoting ergonomic interventions probably be also benefit to induce the risk of WMSDs.

The Correlation of Frequency of Work-Related Disorders with Type of Work among Polish Employees

Musculoskeletal disorders have a significant negative impact on the quality of life of the population. These conditions, as well as other work-related disorders, generate costs associated with treatment and work absence, which makes it a growing problem in industrialized countries. Available data from studies on individual populations of workers indicate a higher incidence of certain symptoms in these groups. Due to the lack of studies on the general population, we aimed to perform the preliminary study evaluating the occurrence of pain and work-related conditions depending on the type of occupational work among Polish employees to identify further possible areas for research. Data was collected using an electronic self-administered questionnaire, which was distributed in groups bringing together various professionals. The data obtained from 379 participants have been analyzed and divided according to performed work into sedentary, forced posture, standing, physical and requiring physical activity. Our study reveals a correlation between the frequency of work-related disorders and type of work performed in the Polish population. A significant correlation between the type of occupational work and prevalence of ankle, knee and shoulder pain, as well as heavy legs or upper limb paresthesia was found. According to our findings, female employees may be more vulnerable to lower limb symptoms. A place of residence also seems to affect the prevalence of upper back pain and heavy legs. The analysis also showed a correlation between the occurrence of hip, knee and ankle pain and the level of education of the participants. Surprisingly, lower extremity paresthesia was significantly more common among participants undertaking additional physical activity, compared to non-physically active respondents.

Neck and upper extremity musculoskeletal problems in cosmetologists caused by work-related ergonomic risk factors in Denizli, Turkey

BACKGROUND

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the neck and upper limbs are a common health problem among cosmetologists. Hairdressing requires bending, twisting, static postures, prolonged standing, repetitive motions, and vigorous movements of the hands and fingers. In order to determine the proper ergonomic measures, identifying the factors and hairdressing jobs that increase the risk of work-related neck and upper limb disorders is needed.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of MSDs in the neck and upper extremities of cosmetologists and to investigate the association with ergonomic risk factors and hairdressing work.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study was conducted on cosmetologists in Denizli, Turkey province (n = 504). Data collected through a survey included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, work organization, equipment, and hairdressing work, items on work posture, the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and the Demand-Control-Support Questionnaire. Work posture in hairdressing was assessed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA).

RESULTS

The prevalence of MSDs of the neck and upper limbs in the previous twelve months ranged from 7.7-55.8%. There was high, or very high, risk in 56.1% of work postures, and the median RULA score was 5.0 (4.0-6.0). The significant predictors of pain were work experience, gender, marital status, risk perception, awkward posture, psychological demand, and hair coloring.

CONCLUSION

It is necessary to take control measures in hairdressing salons promptly to adopt more suitable working posture and to design workplaces ergonomically.

Risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders among takeaway riders: Up-to-date evidence in Shanghai, China

Background

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common occupational diseases. However, the influencing mechanisms were not clear in the new emerging takeaway rider occupation in the catering industry in China.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a takeaway rider sample from one of the largest e-platforms, the Mei Tuan Company in Shanghai. The chi-square test was used to compare the sex differences in MSDs according to various factors. Binary logistic regressions were then performed to explore the potential risk factors for the occurrence and severity of MSDs adjusted by age, sex and vehicle type. Crude odds ratios (CORs) and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for predictors were reported.

Results

The prevalence of MSDs was found to be 54.9% (n = 361). Shoulders (joint pain: 24.5%, n = 154/629 cases; muscle pain: 29.0%, n = 183/632 cases; muscle numbness: 31.7%, n = 120/379 cases) and neck (joint pain: 17.0%, n = 107/629 cases; muscle pain: 14.1%, n = 89/632 cases; muscle numbness: 15.3%, n = 58/379 cases) were the most affected regions. Irregular meals (often having regular meals: p = 0.03, AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.05-3.39; sometimes: p < 0.01, AOR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.49-4.34 and seldomly: p < 0.01, AOR = 4.24, 95% CI: 2.28-7.91) were positively associated with the occurrence of MSDs. Work-related factors, including working over 5 years (p = 0.02, AOR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.10-3.17) and over 51 km of food delivery distance per day (51-75 km: p = 0.02, AOR = 2.13, 95CI%:1.13-4.01; ≥76 km: p < 0.01, AOR = 3.12, 95CI%: 1.44-6.77), were strongly associated with severity.

Conclusion

MSDs were common among takeaway riders. Personal lifestyles (meal irregularity) were found to predict the occurrence, while work-related factors (longer years of employment and prolonged food delivery distance) were positively associated with severity. Public health efforts should be made to prevent MSDs in this population.

Gender Differences, Ergonomics Risks and Upper Quadrant Musculoskeletal Pain in Hairdressers

The aim of this study was to examine ergonomic risk levels and upper quadrant musculoskeletal pain (UQMP) level of hairdressers, and difference and correlation between gender.

Volunteers participating in study were assessed with the descriptive data form, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) and The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (DASH).

229 (female, 26.6%; male, 73.4%) hairdressers participated in study. Prevalence of in the first three frequencies pain in the musculoskeletal system was calculated as 48.5% in neck, 41.5% in upper back, 33.6% in shoulder. The mean DASH score of the hairdressers was 10.75±10.70, Quick DASH-work modulated score was 6.85±10.24 and mean ergonomic risk score was moderate to high (5.36±1.22) according to RULA. Although there was no difference in terms of gender in the ergonomic risk level, higher level of UQMP was significant in females (p˂0.05). RULA score correlated with CMDQ and DASH score in both genders (p˂0.05).

Hairdressers perform their jobs in work environments in moderate to very high ergonomic risk level. There is a possibility of UQMP in hairdressers especially female due to the effect of their movement patterns as a requirement of their profession.

Risk of pain in the neck and shoulders and job change among hairdressers: a combined questionnaire and register-based Danish prospective cohort study

Objective

To investigate whether intensity of work as a hairdresser was associated with treatments for pain, and if musculoskeletal pain was associated with leaving the hairdressing trade.

Methods

We formed two cohorts of hairdressers covered in the PensionDanmark Health Scheme (PDHS). Cohort 1 consisted of 1304 active hairdressers in 2009. Self-reported weekly haircuts were used as work intensity measure and treatments for pain in the neck and shoulders in PDHS were used as outcome. We used a Cox regression model with robust sandwich estimates adjusted for age, sex, employment status and prior treatment < 1 year before July 2009. Cohort 2 consisted of all hairdressers ever covered in the PDHS from 2006 to 2016 (n = 11,162). Exposure were treatments in PDHS within the last year. Outcome was leaving the trade within the following year. Adjustments were made for sex, calendar-year and age in Cox regression models.

Results

The adjusted hazard ratio of treatments in PDHS compared to the lowest work intensity was 0.95 (95% CI 0.58–1.55) and 0.74 (0.43–1.29) for medium and highest intensity, respectively. The risk of leaving the trade was lower, HR 0.80 (0.72–0.90) among hairdressers with treatments in PDHS within the last year, mainly driven by hairdressers aged < 56 years.

Conclusion

We found no association between intensity of work as a hairdresser, measured as self-reported weekly haircuts, and treatments for pain in PDHS. Furthermore, we found a protective effect of treatments in the PDHS within the last year on risk of leaving the trade.

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.