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Paramasivam P, Thirumoorthi A, Ravi S. Factor Analysis of Low Back Pain among Women in Sea Food Processing. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2023; 27:260-264. [PMID: 38047170 PMCID: PMC10691521 DOI: 10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_237_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Women in sea food processing units were involved in pre processing, grading, cleaning, freezing and packaging and they adopted static and awkward posture which results in low back pain. The aim of the present study is to analyze the factors that contribute to low back pain among women workers. A total of 244 women workers participated in the study. Socio economic background and frequency of musculoskeletal discomforts were studied. Descriptive statistics, chi square analysis and factor analysis were carried out to identify the factors contributing to low back pain. Women were involved in peeling (48.8%), setting (26.6%) and grading (24.6%) activity. Factor analysis indicated that work environment contributed to 33%, personal factors contributed to19%, work organization contributed to 16% and socio economic factors contributed to 11% for the low back pain. Worker education and periodical health surveillance will help to minimize the risk of low back pain among the women in industrial settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parimalam Paramasivam
- Department of Family Resource Management and Consumer Science, Community Science College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Amaravathi Thirumoorthi
- Department of Family Resource Management and Consumer Science, Community Science College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Surya Ravi
- Department of Family Resource Management and Consumer Science, Community Science College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Abere G, Yenealem DG, Worede EA. Prevalence and associated factors of low back pain among taxi drivers in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069631. [PMID: 37258069 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the prevalence of low back pain and associated factors among professional taxi drivers. DESIGN Community-based cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS A Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to collect data. Through a simple random sampling technique, 371 taxi drivers were selected in Gondar City, Ethiopia. DATA ANALYSIS SPSS V.22 was used for data analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with low back pain. A p value less than 0.05 and an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI were used to declare statistical significance. RESULT A total of 371 respondents, with a response rate of 95.4%, have participated. The past 1 year and week's prevalence of low back pain among taxi drivers was 85.7% (95% CI 82.5 to 89.2) and 53.4% (95% Cl 48.0 to 58.5), respectively. Overweight/obese (AOR=0.33, 95% CI (0.14 to 0.80)), alcohol drinking (AOR=4.77, 95% CI (1.16 to 19.5)), job dissatisfaction (AOR=4.58, 95% CI (1.39 to 15.2)), prolonged working hours per day (AOR=2.64; 95% CI (1.02 to 6.08)), not using the adjustable seat with back support (AOR=6.38, 95% CI (2.39 to 17.01)) were associated with low back pain among taxi drivers. CONCLUSION The prevalence of low back pain among taxi drivers was high. Being overweight/obese, alcohol drinking, job dissatisfaction, prolonged working hours per day, and not using adjustable seats with back support, were factors associated with low back pain among taxi drivers. Therefore, ergonomic and behavioural-related awareness training is recommended to minimise the burden of low back pain among taxi drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giziew Abere
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Dawit Getachew Yenealem
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Eshetu Abera Worede
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Laohaudomchok W, Phanprasit W, Konthonbut P, Tangtong C, Sripaiboonkij P, Ikäheimo TM, Jaakkola JJK, Näyhä S. Self-Assessed Threshold Temperature for Cold among Poultry Industry Workers in Thailand. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2067. [PMID: 36767437 PMCID: PMC9914996 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The self-assessed threshold temperature for cold in the workplace is not well known. We asked 392 chicken industry workers in Thailand what they regard as the cold threshold (CT) and compared subgroups of workers using linear and quantile regressions by CT sextiles (percentiles P17, P33, P50, P67, and P83, from warmest to coldest). The variables of interest were sex, office work, and sedentary work, with age, clothing thermal insulation, and alcohol consumption as adjustment factors. The mean CT was 14.6 °C. Office workers had a 6.8 °C higher mean CT than other workers, but the difference ranged from 3.8 °C to 10.0 °C from P17 to P83. Sedentary workers had a 2.0 °C higher mean CT than others, but the difference increased from 0.5 °C to 3.0 °C through P17-P83. The mean CT did not differ between sexes, but men had a 1.6-5.0 °C higher CT at P17-P50 (>20 °C) and a 5.0 °C lower CT at P83 (<10 °C). The CT was relatively high at warm (≥10 °C), dry (relative humidity <41%), and drafty (air velocity > 0.35 m/s) worksites. We conclude that office, sedentary, and female workers and those working at warm, dry, and draughty sites are sensitive to the coldest temperatures, whereas male workers are sensitive even to moderate temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wisanti Laohaudomchok
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 73170, Thailand
| | - Wantanee Phanprasit
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 73170, Thailand
| | - Pajaree Konthonbut
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 73170, Thailand
| | - Chaiyanun Tangtong
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 73170, Thailand
| | - Penpatra Sripaiboonkij
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tiina M. Ikäheimo
- Research Unit of Population Health, University of Oulu, 90570 Oulu, Finland
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Tromsø, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Simo Näyhä
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 73170, Thailand
- Research Unit of Population Health, University of Oulu, 90570 Oulu, Finland
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LITERATURE REVIEW: HUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS (HFE) IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY. J@TI UNDIP: JURNAL TEKNIK INDUSTRI 2022. [DOI: 10.14710/jati.17.3.174-190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In the era of sustainable development, humans are a system because of their role in development. The food industry is growing fast at this time, and it is important for the sustainability of a country, while the human factor and ergonomics will provide benefits if applied. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a literature study. This study aims to provide a better understanding and research opportunities on human factors and ergonomics in the food industry. This review literature search was carried out using Publish and Perish based on the Google Scholar database with the search year 2015-2022, then checking the journals one by one. There were twenty-seven articles discussing human factors and ergonomics in the food industry. Based on the year of research, research on human factors and ergonomics began in 2017 and has increased every year until 2019. RULA, SNQ, and REBA are the ergonomics data analysis techniques most widely used by researchers, and Elsevier became the publisher most used. The focus of the research area is large on improving ergonomics. The discussion of human factors and ergonomics can be implemented in various sectors, including the food industry, the integration of human factors with other fields is also worth considering.
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Phanprasit W, Konthonbut P, Laohaudomchok W, Tangtong C, Ikäheimo TM, Jaakkola JJK, Näyhä S. Workplace Cold and Perceived Work Ability: Paradoxically Greater Disadvantage for More vs. Less-Educated Poultry Industry Workers in Thailand. Front Public Health 2021; 9:762533. [PMID: 34926385 PMCID: PMC8673379 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.762533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between worksite temperature and perceived work ability (WA) in various educational classes remains unknown. Therefore, we interviewed 286 poultry industry workers in Thailand about their WA and linked their responses to worksite temperature. WA was based on the self-assessment of current work ability compared with their lifetime best ability (scores 0-10). Education was classified as high (university or vocational school) or low (less education). Temperature was classified as cold (-22-10°C) or warm (10-23°C). WA and the occurrence of a low WA were regressed on worksite temperature, education, and their interaction with the adjustment for sex, age, job category, physical work strain, moving between cold and warm sites, thermal insulation of clothing, relative humidity, and air velocity. The average worksite temperature was 10°C for high- and 1°C for low-educated workers. The average WA score was 8.32 (SD, 1.33; range, 4-10) and classified as low (<8) in 23% of the workers. In highly-educated workers, the adjusted mean WA decreased from 9.11 in the warm areas to 8.02 in the cold areas and the prevalence of a low WA increased from 11 to 30%, while no significant change was observed in less-educated workers. The WA score was estimated to decline by 10% more (95% CI, 4-16%) in the cold areas for the more vs. less-educated workers and the prevalence of a poor WA was estimated to increase 3.09 times (95% CI, 1.43-5.45) more. Highly-educated workers in this industry are a risk group that should be given customized advice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wantanee Phanprasit
- Department of Occupational Health, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pajaree Konthonbut
- Department of Occupational Health, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wisanti Laohaudomchok
- Department of Occupational Health, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chaiyanun Tangtong
- Department of Occupational Health, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tiina M Ikäheimo
- Center for Environmental and Respiratory Health Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Community Medicine, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jouni J K Jaakkola
- Center for Environmental and Respiratory Health Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Simo Näyhä
- Center for Environmental and Respiratory Health Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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Cold-related pain in the face, upper limbs, and lower body among Thai chicken industry workers: a cross-sectional study. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2021; 94:799-812. [PMID: 33427996 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-020-01640-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is limited information on cold-related pain (CRP) in various parts of the body among workers employed in cold environments. We, therefore, determined the prevalence of CRP among Thai chicken industry workers and attempted to identify vulnerable subgroups. METHODS Four hundred and twenty-two workers in four chicken meat factories in Thailand were asked about CRP in the face, upper limbs, and lower body. The results were expressed as adjusted prevalence and prevalence differences [PD; in percentage points (pp)] and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS Overall, 80% of the subjects suffered from CRP in at least one site on the body: 66% in the upper limbs, 65% in the lower body, and 44% in the face. In most sites, CRP increased from the lowest to the highest educational level, notably in the nose with a PD of 36 pp [95% CI 23, 49]. Forklift drivers experienced knee pain [PD 21 pp (0, 41)], and manufacturing [PD 27 pp (15, 38)] and storage workers [PD 24 pp (10, 37)] experienced thigh pain more often than office workers, while office workers reported CRP in the cheeks, ears, wrists, and fingers more often than other workers. Women had more CRP than men in several body sites. CONCLUSIONS The majority of workers suffered from CRP. Intensified protective measures should be targeted not only for forklift drivers and storage and manufacturing workers, but also for the highly educated as well as the office staff who showed excessive prevalence of CRP in several body sites.
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Gómez-Galán M, Callejón-Ferre ÁJ, Pérez-Alonso J, Díaz-Pérez M, Carrillo-Castrillo JA. Musculoskeletal Risks: RULA Bibliometric Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E4354. [PMID: 32560566 PMCID: PMC7345928 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to reveal RULA method applications in terms of the knowledge, country, year and journal categories. The search was performed using the "Web of Science Core Collection". The period from 1993 to April 2019 was selected. Eight hundred nine results were obtained, of which 226 were used. The largest number of publications was determined to be in the fields of industry and health and social assistance, which coincides with the OWAS and Standardized Nordic Questionnaire methods. By country, the USA stands out for its greater number of research studies and categories that are encompassed. By date, 2016 was the year when more studies were carried out, again coinciding with the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. By journal, "Work-A Journal of Prevention Assessment and Rehabilitation" is highlighted, as it is for the REBA method as well. It was concluded that RULA can be applied to workers in different fields, usually in combination with other methods, while technological advancement provides benefits for its application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gómez-Galán
- Department of Engineering, University of Almería, Research Center CIMEDES (CeiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Ángel-Jesús Callejón-Ferre
- Department of Engineering, University of Almería, Research Center CIMEDES (CeiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain
- Laboratory-Observatory Andalusian Working Conditions in the Agricultural Sector (LASA), 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - José Pérez-Alonso
- Department of Engineering, University of Almería, Research Center CIMEDES (CeiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Manuel Díaz-Pérez
- Department of Engineering, University of Almería, Research Center CIMEDES (CeiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain
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Sasikumar V, Binoosh SCAB. A model for predicting the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among computer professionals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2018; 26:384-396. [PMID: 29792570 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2018.1480583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective. This study aimed to develop a model for predicting the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among computer professionals. Materials and methods. A preliminary study with a modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was conducted to identify the risk in different body parts of the professionals during their work. A discrete postural evaluation of the dynamic postures involved in the work was assessed using rapid upper limb assessment. Postural, physiological and work-related factors were considered as attributes of the model. The model was developed using various machine learning algorithms, and was then tested and validated. Results. The postural factor of the computer professionals was found to be significantly (p < 0.01) correlated with the musculoskeletal disorders. Results of the logistic regression analysis showed that physiological and work-related factors were also significantly (p < 0.05) associated with musculoskeletal disorders. The Random Forest algorithm and Naïve Bayes Classifier predicted the risk of musculoskeletal disorders with the highest accuracy (81.25%). Conclusion. Postural, physiological and work-related factors contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders. The Random Forest algorithm or Naïve Bayes Classifier model developed based on these factors could be used to accurately predict the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among computer professionals at any instance of time, during their work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishnu Sasikumar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering Trivandrum, India
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Tran TTT, Phan CTT, Pham TC, Nguyen QT. After-shift Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms in Female Workers and Work-related Factors: A Cross-sectional Study in a Seafood Processing Factory in Vietnam. AIMS Public Health 2016; 3:733-749. [PMID: 29546192 PMCID: PMC5690402 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2016.4.733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The seafood processing industry has been developing and providing marked contribution to Vietnam's economic growth in recent years. However, information on working conditions and their impacts to workers' health in this sector, focusing on musculoskeletal problems in female workers, has been poorly documented. Objectives This paper examines the prevalence of after-shift musculoskeletal disorder symptoms (A-MSDS) and work-related factors in female workers in a seafood processing factory in Vietnam. Materials and Methods As part of a comprehensive study, a cross-sectional survey was implemented in one seafood processing factory in the center of Vietnam in 2014. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 394 female workers to collect information about their A-MSDS state, demographic characteristics, health status and work conditions. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were applied to describe and analyse the results. Results Nearly four-fifths of female workers experienced MSDs in at least one body part (77.7%) and 20.1% of them had MSDs in all investigated regions. The prevalence of A-MSDS in different body parts markedly varied, with the proportion of pain in the hips and lower extremities being as high as 53.3%, followed by pain in the shoulders and upper extremities (42.6%) and the neck (41.1%). A humid working environment, exposure to vibration and chemicals as well as taxing task demands and work organizations were found to significantly contribute to the increased risk of after-shift musculoskeletal disorders in female workers. Conclusion Approximately 80% of female workers in the seafood processing factory experienced musculoskeletal pains after work, especially in the hips, extremities, neck and shoulders which were contributed by work conditions and task demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Thi Thu Tran
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Hanoi School of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Tuan Cong Pham
- Centre for Environment and Population Health, Griffith University, Australia
| | - Quynh Thuy Nguyen
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Hanoi School of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
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