A survey of anthropometry of rural agricultural workers in Enugu State, south-eastern Nigeria

Agricultural Risk Factors Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Older Farmers in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand

Background Agriculture is one of the most hazardous jobs in terms of occupational illness, especially musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This paper is a cross-sectional study designed to identify agricultural risk factors related to MSDs among older farmers.Methods A convenience sampling method was used to select 481 older farmers from the Nong Suea district in Pathum Thani province. A three-part questionnaire generated data that included demographics, work conditions, and environment, and self-reported MSDs. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for MSDs.Results The results indicated the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the past 7 days and 12 months were 87.9% and 88.9%, respectively. The three body parts with highest prevalence rates of MSDs were lower extremities (65.4%), lower back (42.6%), and shoulders (29.9%). Factors significantly associated with reporting MSDs during the past 12 months (p value <.05) were women (adjusted odds ratio = 2.52: 95% CI; 1.19-5.36), using agricultural tools (adjusted odds ratio = 4.40: 95% CI; 1.18-13.79), prolonged static postures (adjusted odds ratio = 3.81: 95% CI; 1.05-13.82), and lifting >10 kg (adjusted odds ratio = 2.87: 95% CI; 1.22-6.82).Conclusions Study results revealed older farmers had high prevalence of MSDs and various related risk factors. Occupational ergonomic issues for promoting safety awareness of agricultural risk factors among elderly farmers should be considered.

Anthropometric characteristics of Chilean workers for ergonomic and design purposes

Obtaining an appropriate match between a product and its end-users requires anthropometric data, which are typically outdated and show variations among different countries. Chile had its anthropometric data taken nearly 20 years ago, thus they are probably outdated. The purpose of this article is to describe some anthropometric characteristics of Chilean workers. An anthropometric survey involving 27 measures and five calculated body dimensions was conducted in 2016. The measurements were based on ISO 7250 and ISO 15535 to ensure the highest standards possible, and a total of 2946 workers, aged from 18 to 76 years old, participated in the survey. The results showed that Chilean workers have smaller dimensions than Dutch and US workers but have larger dimensions than South Koreans. The data presented in this article constitute the most up-to-date anthropometric dataset describing the dimensions of Chilean workers. Practitioner Summary: In Chile, women are smaller and weigh less than men, and both of these populations have high body mass index (BMIs). In addition, the Chilean population exhibits substantial differences compared with other international adult populations. The data presented in this article should be used as a reference when designing for Chilean workers.

South Korean anthropometric data and survey methodology: 'Size Korea' project

Considering the many emerging markets in East Asia, access to contemporary anthropometric data for this region is important for designers and manufacturers seeking to produce the best fitting products and living environments for consumers. The purpose of this paper is to describe Korean anthropometric data collection and survey techniques for those who are interested in ethnic characteristics, conducting surveys, and formulating ergonomic product designs for South Korean and, more broadly, East Asian populations. The Size Korea survey was conducted in 2003-2004 and 2010. A total of 14,200 civilians aged 0-90 years participated in the survey, with 119 body and weight dimensions measured in 2004. Twenty new dimensions from Inbody measurement were added in 2010 and the data were continuously updated. We referred to ISO 7250, 8559 and 15535 to ensure validity and reliability. Fifty major body dimensions, including weight, are summarised in this paper, and 34 of these dimensions can be compared with 11 multinational data already reported  in other publications. Practitioner Summary: This paper presents the up-to-date anthropometric database of East Asian physical characteristics and survey methodology. These data satisfy the ISO standards and comprise 50 physical dimensions including weight. Thirty-four dimensions of these can be directly compared with available multinational data.