Risk Factors Associated with Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders among Barbers in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2018: A Cross-Sectional Study

Barbers' compliance with biological hazard preventive measures and predictors in selected towns, Southeast Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

The barber's profession exposes their customers to several health risks. Negligence when using sharp instruments in barbershops can increase the risk of bloodborne infections, resulting in serious health problems for both the barber and the customer. Evidence for compliance with biological hazard preventive measures and predictors among barbers is critical and urgent. Thus, we aimed to assess compliance with biological hazard preventive measures and predictors among barbers in selected towns in Southeast Ethiopia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 633 randomly selected barbers from 1 March to 30 March 2022. A multistage sampling followed by a systematic sampling and simple random sampling methods were used to select barbershops and barbers, respectively. We used a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire and an observational checklist to collect data. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors. An adjusted OR (AOR), along with a 95% CI and p<0.05, was used to estimate the strength of the association.

RESULTS

The good compliance level with biological hazard preventive measures was 47.10% (95% CI: 43.2%, 50.70%). Being married (AOR=3.04, 95% CI: 1.71, 8.56), aged from 25 to 34 years (AOR=2.75, 95% CI: 1.13, 8.06), served for ≤5 years (AOR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.24, 3.85), attending high school and above (AOR=4.32, 95% CI: 1.31, 12.73), being professional (AOR=6.34, 95% CI: 2.03, 11.36), having a positive attitude (AOR=2.95, 95% CI: 1.06, 8.22) and having good knowledge towards biological hazard preventive measures (AOR=3.14, 95% CI: 1.42, 9.25) were significant predictors of moderate and good compliance with biological hazard preventive measures.

CONCLUSION

The study's findings revealed that almost half of the barbers were in good compliance with biological hazard preventive measures. As a result, improving barbers' attitudes and knowledge through on-the-job training is indispensable.

Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among cashiers in small-scale businesses: a cross-sectional study in Ethiopia

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders among cashiers in small-scale businesses in Northwestern Ethiopia.

DESIGN

A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2022. The data were collected using a validated and standardised Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The collected data were entered into EpiData V.4.6 and analysed using Stata V.14. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to ascertain the significance of associations at p<0.05 and the adjusted OR (AOR) with a 95% CI.

SETTING

The study was conducted in small-scale businesses in the North Gondar Zone.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 618 cashiers participated in this study.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome of the study is the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, which was measured using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire.

RESULTS

The response rate was 97.5% (N=618). The majority (373; 60.4%) of the study participants were female. The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 30 (±8.3) years. The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders during the last 12 months was found to be 75.4% (n=466) (95% CI 71.8%, 78.8%). Marital status (married) (AOR=2.12; 95% CI 1.26, 3.56), lack of physical exercise (AOR=2.07; 95% CI 1.32, 3.23), alcohol consumption (AOR=3.55; 95% CI 2.18, 5.78) and awkward work posture (AOR=2.40; 95% CI 1.43, 4.0) were significant factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders among sampled cashiers.

CONCLUSION

This study concluded that the overall prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was high among cashiers in small-scale businesses. Being married, a lack of physical exercise, alcohol consumption and awkward work posture were significant factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. To reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders, it is recommended taking part in physical activity, avoiding alcohol consumption and avoiding awkward work posture.

Magnitude and influencing factors of work-related low back pain among high school teachers in West Arsi zone, Southwest Ethiopia: evidenced from multicentred cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of low back pain and its associated factors among high school teachers in the West Arsi zone, Southwest Ethiopia.

DESIGN

A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2020. A self-administered structured Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to assess low back pain during the past 12 months. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was carried out using Stata V.14. The degree of significance was obtained at a 95% CI and p<0.05.

SETTING

The study was conducted in the West Arsi zone, Ethiopia.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 602 teachers participated in this study.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome is the prevalence of low back pain.

RESULTS

The prevalence of low back pain during the last 12 months was found to be 63.73% (95% CI 59.77% to 67.70%). About 225 (39.61%) teachers experienced moderate pain, and (89.79%) of them had a minimal disability. Being unmarried (adjusted OR (AOR) 0.47, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.79), prolonged standing (AOR 2.31, 95% CI 1.16 to 4.60), sleeping disturbance (AOR 3.22, 95% CI 1.41 to 7.36), regular physical activity (AOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.84), current smoker (AOR 2.83, 95% CI 1.04 to 7.67), lifting heavy load (AOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.17 to 3.28), psychological job demand (AOR 2.86, 95% CI 1.69 to 4.84) and job satisfaction (AOR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.79) were associated with low back pain.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of low back pain was high in this study. Prolonged standing, sleep disruption, heavy load lifting, cigarette smoking and psychological job demand were risk factors for low back pain. Physical exercise and workplace satisfaction were effective interventions. Emphasis should now be put on ergonomics, regular physical activity and psychosocial factors to lessen the problem.

How do driving behavior and attitudes toward road safety vary between developed and developing countries? Evidence from Iran and the Netherlands

INTRODUCTION

The rates of road traffic injuries and fatalities in developing countries are significantly higher than in developed countries. This study examines the differences in driving behavior, road safety attitudes, and driving habits between a developed country (the Netherlands) and a developing country (Iran), which bear major differences in terms of crash involvement per population.

METHOD

In this context, this study assesses the statistical association of crash involvement with errors, lapses, aggressive driving incidents, and non-compliance with traffic rules, attitudes, and habits. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate data obtained from 1,440 questionnaires (720 samples for each group).

RESULTS

The results revealed that more insecure attitudes toward traffic-regulation observance, negative driving habits, and risky behaviors, such as traffic rule violations act as influential factors of crash involvement. Iranian participants showed a greater likelihood to get involved in violations and driving habits with a higher level of risk. In addition, lower levels of safety attitudes toward traffic-regulation observance were observed. On the other hand, Dutch drivers were more likely to report lapses and errors. Dutch drivers also reported safer behavior in terms of unwillingness to engage in risky behaviors such as violations (speeding and no-overtaking). The structural equation models for crash involvement based on behaviors, attitudes, and driving habits were also evaluated for their accuracy and statistical fit using relevant indicators.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Finally, the findings of the present study point out the need for extensive research in some areas to foster policies that can effectively enhance safer driving.

Prevalence and risk factors of work-related contact dermatitis symptoms among healthcare cleaners during the COVID-19 pandemic in Northwest Ethiopia: a multicentre cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVE

This study was aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors of work-related contact dermatitis (WRCD) symptoms among cleaners working in healthcare institutions in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted from September to October 2021. An interviewer-administered standardised Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire, V.2002 (NOSQ-2002) was used to assess WRCD. The collected data were entered into EpiData V.4.6 and analysed using Stata V.14 software. The association between dependent and independent variables was computed with a binary logistic regression. The association was determined using an adjusted OR (AOR) with a 95% CI at a p value of <0.05.

SETTING

The study was conducted in Gondar city healthcare institutions, Northwestern Ethiopia.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 409 cleaners participated in this study.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome is the prevalence of WRCD symptoms, which was measured using the NOSQ-2002.

RESULTS

The response rate was 95.6%. The majority, 302 (73.8%), of the study participants were female. The mean age (±SD) was 31 (±7.87) years old. The overall prevalence of self-reported WRCD during the last 12 months was 213 (52.1%) (95% CI (47.1% to 57.0%)). The highest symptoms reported were skin redness, 51.6% (n=110), and the most affected skin body sites were hands (hand dermatitis), 74.2% (n=158). Hand washing frequency more than 20 times per day (AOR=1.73, 95% CI (1.03 to 2.92)), personal history of eczema (AOR=1.46, 95% CI (1.01 to 2.42)) and lack of training on skin hazards (AOR=2.06, 95% CI (1.16 to 3.63)) were factors influencing the occurrence of WRCD.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed the prevalence of WRCD is common during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adjusting hand washing frequency per day, educating people with atopy about the avoidance of exposure to skin irritants and providing training on skin hazards were recommended to minimise the condition.

Risk factors for the prevalence of poor sleep quality in lecturers during COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia: an institution-based cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and risk factors of poor sleep quality (SQ) among the academic staff at the University of Gondar, Northwestern Ethiopia.

DESIGN

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2021. A validated, self-administered, standardised Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to quantify the amount of self-reported poor SQ. The collected data were entered into EpiData V.4.6 and analysed using Stata V.14 software. Binary logistic regressions were computed to determine the association between variables. The association was determined using an adjusted OR (AOR) with a 95% CI at a p value of <0.05.

SETTING

The study was conducted at the University of Gondar, Northwestern Ethiopia.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 607 lecturers participated in this study.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome is the prevalence of poor SQ, which was measured using the PSQI.

RESULTS

Overall response rate was 95.60% (N=607). The age of the participants ranges from 21 to 70 with a mean of 32.39 (SD±6.80) years. The magnitude of poor SQ during the COVID-19 pandemic in the last month was 60.30% (95% CI (56.28% to 64.21%)). Working greater than 10 hours per day (AOR=2.19, 95% CI (1.16 to 4.27)), electronic device use before bedtime (AOR=1.53, 95% CI (1.04 to 2.27)), high-risk perception of COVID-19 infections (AOR=1.60, 95% CI (1.04 to 2.46)) and perceived job stress (AOR=2.15 (95% CI (1.50 to 3.08)) were risk factors for poor SQ.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed that the prevalence of poor SQ was high during the COVID-19 pandemic. The finding highlights the importance of optimising the working hours per day, minimising electronic device use before bedtime, promoting risk perception toward COVID-19 infection and developing workplace coping strategies for stress, which play a substantial role in minimising poor SQ.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Work-Related Upper Extremity Disorders among University Teaching Staff in Ethiopia, 2021: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Work-related upper extremity disorders (WRUEDs) are aches, pains, tension, and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, and fingers. The situation is escalating in educational sectors due to a lousy working environment intertwined with extracurricular deeds. However, empirical evidence focusing on academicians in higher education society is negligible. The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence and risk factors of WRUEDs among university teaching staff in Ethiopia.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study design from March to April 2021. A sample of 607 academicians were recruited using a stratified sampling technique, and a self-administered structured Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to assess upper extremity disorders during the past 12 months. The collected data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using STATA version 14 software. The association between dependent and independent variables was computed with a binary logistic regression. The association was ascertained using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) at a p value of <0.05.

Results

A total of 607 participants correctly completed the questionnaire (response rate of 95.44%). Age ranges from 21 to 70 with a mean of 32.39 (SD ± 6.80)) years, and the majority (76.28%) of them were males. The prevalence of WRUED during the last 12 months was 59.14% [95% CI (55.1, 63.1)]. There is no significant difference in prevalence between males and females (45.14% versus 14%), respectively; χ² = 0.001; p=0.974. Working more than 8 hours per day [AOR: 2.37; 95% CI (1.40, 4.00)], not performing physical exercise [AOR: 2.34; 95% CI (1.6, 3.45)], and job dissatisfaction [AOR: 2.50; 95% CI (1.69, 3.68)] were factors significantly increased the risk of experiencing WRUEDs.

Conclusion

This study divulged upper extremity disorder among university teaching staff is pervasive, with more than three-fifth of the academicians were suffering from the condition, and it also indicates that males experienced higher proportions of pain than females. The manifestation of upper extremity disorder was affected by working hours per day, physical activity, and job satisfaction. Optimizing working hours, having a group regular exercise, and proper management of workplace conditions related to job satisfaction are recommended to lessen the condition.

Occupational-Related Upper and Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Pain Among Working Population of Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background:

Currently, work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a significant public health concern and are a leading cause of disability-adjusted life years and reduced quality of life worldwide. In developing countries, including Ethiopia, as a result of poor occupational health and safety practices and underreporting of the problems, work-related musculoskeletal disorders have been increased, remaining less prioritized, and there is no adequate evidence on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Thus, the current study aimed to determine and provide the overall prevalence of occupational-related upper and lower extremity musculoskeletal pain among the working population of Ethiopia.

Methods

The current study considered full-text articles conducted in Ethiopia, written in English, and published from 2017 to 2020. Ten electronic databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, MedNar, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, African Index Medicus, and African Journals Online database were used to search the articles using a combination of Boolean logic operators (AND, OR, and NOT), Medical Subject Headings, and main keywords. The quality assessment of the articles was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools to determine the relevance of the article to the current study.

Results:

Of the 1377 articles identified from the included electronic databases, 12 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The study found that the pooled prevalence of occupational-related elbow pain, wrist/hand pain, knee/leg pain, foot/ankle pain, and hip/thigh pain in the previous one year was 19.7% (95% CI: 12.3, 30.1), 24.2% (95% CI: 17.4, 32.7), 25.0% (95% CI: 18.5, 32.8), 20.2% (95% CI: 12.8, 30.4), and 15.5% (95% CI: 9.9, 23.4), respectively. Based on a subgroup analysis, the last year’s pooled prevalence of occupational-related elbow, wrist/hand, knee/leg, foot/ankle, and hip/thigh pain was increased to 33.7% [95% CI: 31.9, 35.5], 29.7% [95% CI: 28.2, 31.2], 31.5% [95% CI: 29.9, 33.2], 30.6% [95% CI: 29.0, 32.4], and 27.3% [95% CI: 25.5, 29.2], respectively.

Conclusion:

Occupational-related musculoskeletal disorders continue to have a potential impact on workers’ health and productivity. The current study found that the overall pooled prevalence of occupational-related upper and lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders in the last year ranged from 15.5 to 33.7%. Implementing occupational health and safety measures play an important role in preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders and other occupational hazards.

Predictors for Clinical Outcomes Related to Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders in a Healthy Working Population

A wide range of endpoints and methods of analysis can be observed in occupational health studies in the context of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Comparison of study results is therefore difficult. We investigated the association between different clinical endpoints and the presence of upper extremity WMSDs in a healthy working population. Furthermore, the influence of socio-demographic, work-related, and individual predictors on different endpoints was examined. Two self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 70 workers and employees. In addition, a standardized physical examination and an industry test were performed in this cross-sectional study. Correlations between WMSDs and clinical endpoints were analyzed with the Spearman method and prediction ellipses. Multiple regression models were used to study the strength of associations with a pre-defined set of potential influencing factors. The prevalence of WMSDs was 56% (39/70). Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score/pain under strain showed the strongest correlations with WMSDs. When analyzing the correlation between WMSDs and pre-selected predictors, none of the predictors could be identified as a risk factor. The DASH score remains a close candidate for best surrogate endpoint for WMSDs detection. Standardized analysis methods could improve the methodological quality of future occupational health studies.

Prevalence of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Factors Among Bank Staff in Jimma City, Southwest Ethiopia, 2019: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Work-related musculoskeletal disorder is one of the most important public health problems throughout the world. However, there is a paucity of knowledge on work-related musculoskeletal disorders among bank staff in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among bank staff in Jimma city, Ethiopia.

METHODS

Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 20 to August 20, 2019. A simple random sampling technique was used. Data were collected by pre-tested interviewer-administered standardized Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaires. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. A logistic regression analysis was done. A variable having a p-value <0.25 in a bivariate analysis was taken into multivariate analysis to avoid the potential effects of confounders. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were calculated at a 95% confidence interval to see the strength of association. A significant association was set at a p-value <0.05.

RESULTS

Data were collected from 335 study participants. The overall prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders during the last 12-months was 245 (73.1%). The most affected body parts were lower back 181 (54%), neck 152 (45.4%), upper back 143 (42.7%), and shoulder 127 (37.9%). Work experience [AOR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.05-4.43], alcohol consumption [AOR: 3.44, 95% CI: 1.29-9.18], awkward posture [AOR: 4.09, 95% CI: 2.20-7.61], working in the same position for two or more hours [AOR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.05-3.89] and job stress [AOR: 3.20, 95% CI: 1.67-6.15] were factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was common among bank staff. Preventive strategies such as using ergonomic guidelines and giving awareness on the effect of bad posture, avoiding prolonged working in the same position were recommended. Using ergonomic guideline is helpful to create a suitable working environment that fit employee's physical capability.

Self-Reported Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Factors among Restaurant Workers in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020

Introduction

Globally, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have resulted in occupational disability and injury. Of these, restaurant workers are among the high-risk professionals usually affected by WMSDs. In Ethiopia, evidence on the burden of musculoskeletal disorder and contributing factors among restaurant workers were very limited. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of self-reported WMSDs and contributing factors among restaurant workers in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia, 2020.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2020 to March 2020 among restaurant workers in Gondar city. A two-stage sampling technique was used to choose 633 study subjects. A structured Nordic questioner was used to collect the data. Data was entered into EpiData version 3.1 and exported to Stata version 14.0 for analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were computed. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to measure the association between WMSDs and independent variables. In the multivariable analysis, a P value of <0.05 was used to declare a statistically significant association. To check the goodness of fit, the Hosmer and Lemeshow test was used.

Results

The prevalence of WMSDs among restaurant workers in the past 12 months was 81.5% [95% CI (78.18-84.44)]. Attending primary education [AOR: 2.14, 95% CI (1.17-3.90)], attending secondary education [AOR: 1.71 (1.02-2.86)], and job satisfaction [AOR: 1.90, 95%CI (1.13-3.19)] were significantly associated with WMSDs.

Conclusion

In this study, the prevalence of WMSDs among restaurant workers was high. The upper back, lower back, elbow, and wrist were the most affected body parts. Age above 30 years, educational status being primary and secondary, and being dissatisfied by their job were positively associated with a high prevalence of WMSDs.

Workplace stress and associated factors among vehicle repair workers in Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION

Workplace stress is a public health problem worldwide. Studies focusing on work-related stress among vehicle repair workers are scarce in African countries. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported workplace stress and associated factors among vehicle repair workers in Hawassa City, South Ethiopia.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

A cross-sectional study design was employed among 347 vehicle repair workers from January 25 to February 22, 2019. Questionnaires were administered using interviews. Additional tools were used for weight and height measurements. The main findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression. The strength of association of variables was presented by odds ratio along with its 95% CI. The statistical assessments were considered significant at p<0.05. A total of 344 workers participated in the study. The prevalence of workplace stress among participants was 41.6% with 95% CI: (36.3-47.1). Factors associated with workplace stress were more than 10 years of work experience [AOR: 2.40; 95% CI (1.29-4.50)], work-related musculoskeletal disorder [AOR: 3.39; 95% CI (1.99-5.78)], squatting and lying work posture [AOR: 4.63; 95% CI (1.61-13.3)] and servicing large vehicles [AOR: 1.96; 95% CI (1.14-3.38)].

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This study showed that the overall prevalence of work-related stress was substantially high. The independently associated factors were workers' service years, symptoms of body pain, and the work environment. Preventive measures need to be implemented in vehicle repair workshops by focusing on work environment improvements.

Occupational Related Upper and Low Back Pain Among the Working Population of Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Back pain, such as upper and low back pain are among the most common musculoskeletal conditions that can cause major public health and socioeconomic problems. Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability that reduces worker performance and well-being and increases absence from work, which can cause an enormous economic burden. In developing countries, particularly in Ethiopia, there is no adequate evidence on the overall prevalence of occupational-related upper and low back pain, and they remain less prioritized and empirically unrepresented. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational-related upper and low back pain among the working population of Ethiopia.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis considered studies conducted in Ethiopia, written in English, and published from 2017 to 2020. Articles were searched from 9 electronic databases (Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, African Index Medicus, African Journals Online database, and Science Direct) using a combination of Boolean logic operators, Medical Subject Headings, and main keywords. The quality assessment of the articles was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools to determine the relevance of the articles to the study. A random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence, the 95% confidence interval, and the degree of heterogeneity among the included studies. Sensitivity analyses were performed to identify the influence of outliers and to identify sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Of the 1114 studies identified from the included databases, 20 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of occupational-related upper and low back pain in the previous year was (27.1% [95% CI: 18.4, 37.9]) and (54.2% [95% CI: 48.2, 60.0]), respectively. Based on a subgroup analysis by publication year, study population, and regions where the studies were conducted, the prevalence of upper back pain was (43.8% [95% CI: 39.3, 47.7]), (34.7% [95% CI: 33.1, 36.2]), and (36.2% [95% CI: 33.6, 39.0]), respectively, while the prevalence of low back pain was (61.8% [95% CI: 58.9, 64.6], (52.8% [95% CI: 51.3, 54.3]), and (55.2% [95% CI: 51.4, 59.0]), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review and meta-analysis found that 54.2% of the included study participants experienced low back pain in the previous year, while 27.1% experienced upper back pain. The highest prevalence was reported among pedestrian back-loading women.

Physical environmental and occupational factors inducing work-related neck and shoulder pains among self-employed tailors of informal sectors in Ethiopia, 2019: results from a community based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) caused by occupational-related factors continue to place huge burdens on global workforces. Significant numbers of workers report potential adverse health outcomes related to the condition, such as physical injury, disability, and decline in quality of life. Occupational-related MSD also poses additional burdens to healthcare services and diminishes productivity at work. The condition usually worsens in informal sectors where the work environments are often poorly designed. This paper explored occupational and physical environmental factors that induce work-related neck and/or shoulder pains among self-employed tailors in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

We conducted across-sectional survey from April to May 2019 on 422 tailors selected with systematic random sampling technique. Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to measure pains in neck and/or shoulder, and the questionnaire was pretested and administered by interviewers. Work-related factors such as working posture, rest break, training in safety and health, and the availability of adjustable chairs at workplaces were assessed. The significance of associations was set at a < 0.05 p-value and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% were used to determine strength of associations.

RESULTS

A total of 419 tailors participated with a response rate of 99.3%. The mean age and mean years of experience were 29.23 (SD ± 7.03) and 1.48 (SD ± 0.50) years, respectively. The study found that the prevalence of pain in either neck or shoulder or both sites in the last 12 months was 66.6% (N = 279) [95% CI (62.1, 71.1)]. Pains in shoulder and neck were observed in 72.1% (N = 302)[95% CI (67.8, 76.4)] and 68.3% (N = 286) [95% CI (64.0, 72.6)] of the interviewees, respectively. The majority, 78.1% (n = 218) of those with pains indicated they were prevented from doing normal daily activities. Work experience (AOR = 1.81), rest break (AOR = 2.13), awkward working posture (AOR = 2.60), prolonged sitting (AOR = 2.00) and inadequate light (AOR = 5.02) were significantly associated factors of neck and/ or shoulder pains.

CONCLUSION

Work-related neck and/or shoulder pain induced by physical factors of the work environment among self-employed tailors is pervasive in Ethiopia. Efforts to curb the condition, therefore, need to impalement diverse approaches addressing the physical environment and occupational factors. We also promote the integration of schemes for the effective use of rest breaks into health and safety programs in the workplace.

Prevalence and healthcare seeking practice of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among informal sectors of hairdressers in Ethiopia, 2019: findings from a cross-sectional study

Background

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the major threats to public health, with a significant impact on workers, employers, and the general population. Musculoskeletal disorder related to work not only results in adverse health effects such as physical injury, disability, and a reduction in workers’ quality of life, but it also places immense burdens on the use of healthcare facilities and a substantial loss of productivity. The purpose of this research was to discover the prevalence and associated factors of work-related MSDs among hairdressers in Oromia Special Zone Surrounding Finfine, Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was carried out between March and April 2019. We included a total of 699 hairdressers with a systematic random sampling technique. Work-related MSDs was evaluated with the standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal survey, and the survey was administered by the interviewer. We employed SPSS version 20 software to perform a bivariate and multivariate analysis. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered a significant association.

Results

In total, 652 hairdressers were interviewed with a response rate of 93.2%. Participants’ mean age was 33.19 (SD ± 9.639) years. The prevalence of work-related MSDs was 70.2% (N = 458) [95% CI (66.7, 73.9)] and 55.7% in the past 12-months and 7 days, respectively. The study showed the highest prevalence rate was observed in shoulder 53.7% (n = 350) followed by 53.4% (n = 348) neck and 53.2% (n = 347) low back. Of the participants, 33.4% (n = 153) perceived their pain to be severe whereas 28% (n = 128) a high disabling. Almost one-third (n = 187) of the respondents used healthcare services. Age [AOR = 2.73; 95% CI (2.55, 5.46)], work experience [AOR = 1.51; 95% CI (1.03, 2.20)], number of customers served per day [AOR = 2.35; 95% CI (1.35, 4.11)], and hours spent standing to make hair [AOR = 3.4; 95% CI (2.49, 7.77)] were significantly associated factors.

Conclusion

This study found work-related MSDs were prevalent among hairdressers, but the use of healthcare services remains low. Age, length of employment, number of customers served per day, and number of hours spent standing per day to make hair were significantly associated. Therefore, we recommend employers need to develop health and safety programs that account for factors related to the workplaces. The findings also demonstrate that health practitioners would encourage pain management procedures.