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Mahendran S, Tiwari RR. Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life assessment among garment workers in Tiruppur district, Tamil Nadu. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2024; 30:146-152. [PMID: 37914712 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2023.2278939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Objectives. The garment industry is a labour-intensive industry, with workers susceptible to musculoskeletal problems, especially those employed in smaller units that lack adequate occupational health provisions. This study aims to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among workers in both large and small garment units and assess their quality of life (QoL). Methods. The study surveyed 746 garment workers, comprising 372 from large units and 374 from small units. Data were collected through the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF questionnaire, with posture analysis conducted using the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) and rapid entire body assessment (REBA) scales. Results. The results showed that 32% of workers in large-scale garment units and 43.9% in small-scale garment units reported musculoskeletal symptoms. The occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) was significantly associated with increasing age, smoking, alcohol consumption, job duration, working in shifts and moonlighting. Conclusion. The workers in the garment industry, particularly of small units, are highly susceptible to WMSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suleka Mahendran
- Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India
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Kabir H, Bhullar N, Islam MS, Usher K, Haque ME, Maple M. Prevalence and risk factors of physical and psychological health among readymade garment workers in Bangladesh. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2023; 29:1572-1583. [PMID: 37715515 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2023.2260168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Objective. Poor health outcomes of Bangladeshi readymade garment (RMG) workers tend to be associated with a variety of occupational factors. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of, and risk factors associated with, the physical and psychological health outcomes of Bangladeshi RMG workers. Methods. Responses to a cross-sectional survey from a convenience sample of 411 adult Bangladeshi RMG workers (mean age = 26.24 years; SD 6.40 years; female = 80%) were analysed using bivariate and multivariate (logistic regression models) analyses. Results. More than half of the participants reported headaches (61.6%) and colds/flu (51.3%), followed by fever (37.2%), diarrhoea (32.8%), bodily pain (29.9%) and respiratory infections (20.9%). For psychological health, stress (69.1%), anxiety (66.2%) and boredom (64.5%) were most prevalent, followed by sleeplessness (51.3%), depression (48.2%) and fear (34.3%). RMG workers from the factories located in Chattogram (a peripheral region compared to Dhaka) reported poorer physical and psychological health outcomes than those working in factories in Dhaka (the capital city of Bangladesh). Overall, compared to males, female RMG workers were more likely to be vulnerable to both physical and psychological health outcomes. Conclusion. Improvement in workplace conditions and safety programmes is needed to safeguard the overall health outcomes of Bangladeshi RMG workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humayun Kabir
- School of Health, University of New England, Australia
- Department of Sociology, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Navjot Bhullar
- School Psychology, University of New England, Australia
- Discipline of Psychology, Edith Cowan University, Australia
| | | | - Kim Usher
- School of Health, University of New England, Australia
| | | | - Myfanwy Maple
- School of Health, University of New England, Australia
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Kabir H, Maple M, Islam MS, Usher K. A qualitative study of the working conditions in the readymade garment industry and the impact on workers’ health and wellbeing. ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1539/eohp.2021-0020-ohw] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Humayun Kabir
- School of Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New England
| | - Myfanwy Maple
- School of Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New England
| | - Md Shahidul Islam
- School of Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New England
| | - Kim Usher
- School of Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New England
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Javed I, Md Dawal SZ, Nukman Y, Ahmad A. Prediction of work productivity outcomes by identifying critical risk factors among garment industry workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2021; 28:2238-2249. [PMID: 34556003 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2021.1984673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Work productivity is one of the most important economic measures in the manufacturing industry. However, the physical, psychosocial and individual risk factors of an industrial work environment affect workers' physical or mental health, resulting in work productivity loss, absenteeism and presenteeism. Therefore, this study aims to identify the most critical risk factors and develop statistical models for predicting work productivity loss, absenteeism and presenteeism of garment industry workers. A sample of 224 sewing machine operators was taken for data collection through observation and self-reported studies. The results indicated that the average work productivity loss, absenteeism and presenteeism was 38.21, 2.35 and 37.23%, respectively. Finally, the statistical models of work productivity loss, absenteeism and presenteeism was developed using multiple linear regression with precision of 69.9, 53.7 and 84.0%, respectively. Hence, this study will help garment industries to improve their work productivity by taking initiatives based on the developed models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Javed
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Malaysia.,School of Science and Technology, University of Management and Technology, Pakistan
| | | | - Yusoff Nukman
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Malaysia
| | - Ashfaq Ahmad
- Faculty of Engineering, The University of Lahore, Pakistan
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Nabi MH, Kongtip P, Woskie S, Nankongnab N, Sujirarat D, Chantanakul S. Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Female Readymade Garment Workers in Bangladesh: A Comparative Study Between OSH Compliant and Non-Compliant Factories. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:1119-1127. [PMID: 33758564 PMCID: PMC7979324 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s297228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common occupational diseases responsible for work restriction and absenteeism. The purpose of the study was to compare the prevalence of MSDs between ready-made garment (RMG) factories that are compliant versus non-compliant with International Labor Organization (ILO) based Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards, and to identify other factors associated with a higher prevalence of MSDs. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 randomly selected female workers (age: >18 years; ≥1 year of work experience) from 12 randomly selected RMG factories in the Dhaka district of Bangladesh from February to December 2019. Factories were stratified as OSH compliant or non-compliant. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire consist of socio-demographic, work-related factors, and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) for MSD assessment. Robust Poisson regression was used to investigate the association of MSDs with OSH compliance, socio-demographic and other work-related factors. Results Respondents’ mean age was 26.9 ± 5.9 years. A total of 235 (57%) of the workers reported musculoskeletal pain in at least one body part during the last month. Among the nine reported MSDs, the prevalence of lower back pain was highest (41%) followed by pain in the knees (33%). Multivariable analysis showed lower prevalence of any MSD among workers in OSH compliant factories [aPR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.31–0.58], and workers with regular working hours (8 hrs/day) [aPR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.62–1.00]. The risk of developing any MSD was significantly higher for age group 25–30 years [aPR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.01–1.33] and age group ≥31 years [aPR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.04–1.1.39]. Conclusion The study found a high burden of musculoskeletal disorders among female RMG workers, especially those in non-OSH compliant factories that work long hours. Enforcement of minimum ILO-based OSH standards and introduction of low-cost interventions to improve working conditions in non-compliant factories would help sustain the pace of development in this sector in Bangladesh, and ensure the health of the women who work there.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hayatun Nabi
- Department of Public Health, School of Health and Life Sciences, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pornpimol Kongtip
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Susan Woskie
- Department of Public Health, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Noppanun Nankongnab
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Dusit Sujirarat
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suttinun Chantanakul
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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6
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Kabir H, Maple M, Usher K, Islam MS. Health vulnerabilities of readymade garment (RMG) workers: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:70. [PMID: 30646870 PMCID: PMC6334416 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6388-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is a paucity of literature that addresses the health vulnerabilities of readymade garment (RMG) workers in South and Southeast Asian regions. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to identify the distinctive types of health vulnerabilities along with the causes and consequences of these vulnerabilities of the RMG workers in South and Southeast Asian regions. Methods Systematic review search methods were applied utilising the PRISMA protocol. Literature published between July 2007 to June 2017 on health vulnerabilities of the RMG workers of South and Southeast Asian countries were identified through electronic databases and manual searches. Results A total number of 19 studies (16 quantitative studies, 3 mixed-method studies) were included from the primary 17,001 papers identified. The quality of these studies was assessed by using the EPHPP (effective public health practice project) and the CASP (critical appraisal skills programme) tools. From the identified studies, 14 were considered ‘strong,’ with the remainder assessed as ‘moderate’ quality. The findings reported in these studies suggest that RMG workers of South and Southeast Asian countries are prone to several health vulnerabilities which include physical and psychological issues. Further, many of these health vulnerabilities arise from the nature of the RMG workplace, and include unhygienic and unsafe working environments, hazardous conditions of the factories, and lack of safety equipment. Conclusions This systematic review suggests that RMG workers’ health vulnerabilities are an emerging area of inquiry that needs to be better understood and solutions identified. Little is currently known about the distinctive types of health vulnerabilities of the RMG workers of these countries, other than Bangladesh and India, due to the lack of robust studies in other South and Southeast Asian countries. Although the health vulnerabilities of the Bangladeshi and Indian RMG workers have been previously highlighted, the health vulnerabilities arising from sudden disasters in the sector remain a neglected issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humayun Kabir
- School of Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia. .,Department of Sociology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh.
| | - Myfanwy Maple
- School of Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Kim Usher
- School of Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Md Shahidul Islam
- School of Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
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Elser H, Falconi AM, Bass M, Cullen MR. Blue-collar work and women's health: A systematic review of the evidence from 1990 to 2015. SSM Popul Health 2018; 6:195-244. [PMID: 30417066 PMCID: PMC6215057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the implications of gender and sex differences for health risks associated with blue-collar work, adverse health outcomes among blue-collar workers has been most frequently studied among men. The present study provides a "state-of-the-field" systematic review of the empiric evidence published on blue-collar women's health. We systematically reviewed literature related to the health of blue-collar women published between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2015. We limited our review to peer-reviewed studies published in the English language on the health or health behaviors of women who were presently working or had previously worked in a blue-collar job. Studies were eligible for inclusion regardless of the number, age, or geographic region of blue-collar women in the study sample. We retained 177 studies that considered a wide range of health outcomes in study populations from 40 different countries. Overall, these studies suggested inferior health among female blue-collar workers as compared with either blue-collar males or other women. However, we noted several methodological limitations in addition to heterogeneity in study context and design, which inhibited comparison of results across publications. Methodological limitations of the extant literature, alongside the rapidly changing nature of women in the workplace, motivate further study on the health of blue-collar women. Efforts to identify specific mechanisms by which blue-collar work predisposes women to adverse health may be particularly valuable in informing future workplace-based and policy-level interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Elser
- School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, University of California, Berkeley, 50 University Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - April M. Falconi
- Stanford Center for Population Health Sciences, Stanford University, 1070 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
| | - Michelle Bass
- Population Research Librarian, Lane Medical Library & Knowledge Management Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr L109, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Mark R. Cullen
- Stanford Center for Population Health Sciences, Stanford University, 1070 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
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Shazzad MN, Ahmed S, Haq SA, Islam MN, Abu Shahin M, Choudhury MR, Hasan ATMT, Abdal SJ, Rasker JJ. Musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders among 350 garment workers in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional pilot study. Int J Rheum Dis 2018; 21:2063-2070. [PMID: 30398010 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.13423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms and disorders among garment workers in Bangladesh, to look for possible relationships between pain location and type of work performed and to estimate the prevalence of rheumatological diagnoses. METHODS A cross-sectional pilot study among 350 garment workers using the COPCORD (Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Disorders) methodology. Subjects with musculoskeletal pain were examined by rheumatologists for rheumatological diagnosis. The workers were classified into cutting, sewing, finishing and quality control operators. RESULTS Most of the workers were aged below 35 years (88%) and females (82.9%) and the majority had only primary education (74.6%). The prevalence of MSK pain within 7 days of the interview was 77.1%, a much higher figure than in the general population. The most affected sites were: shoulder (17.9%), lower back (15.2%), neck (13.8%) and knee (10.8%). Multiple regional pain was the commonest finding in 173 of 350 workers. In this pilot study rheumatoid arthritis was diagnosed in 0.9%, undifferentiated arthritis in 1.1%, nonspecific low back pain in 4.6%, soft tissue rheumatism in 3.7%, osteoarthritis in 0.9% and lumbar spondylosis in 1.1%, figures comparable with those observed in the general population; spondyloarthropathy was seen more often, in 1.42%, possibly explained by the small numbers. CONCLUSIONS Musculoskeletal pains are common among garment workers of Bangladesh and may cause morbidity, disability, and work loss. Our findings may be important to plan ergonomic measures preventing complaints and may be of interest for international companies ordering garments in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Nahiduzzamane Shazzad
- Department of Rheumatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shamim Ahmed
- Department of Rheumatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Syed Atiqul Haq
- Department of Rheumatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Nazrul Islam
- Department of Rheumatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abu Shahin
- Department of Rheumatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Minhaj Rahim Choudhury
- Department of Rheumatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Syed Jamil Abdal
- Department of Rheumatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Johannes Jacobus Rasker
- Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, Department of Psychology, Health & Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
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Tebyetekerwa M, Akankwasa NT, Marriam I. The Current Working Conditions in Ugandan Apparel Assembly Plants. Saf Health Work 2017; 8:378-385. [PMID: 29276637 PMCID: PMC5715488 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present rapid shift of industrialization from developed to developing countries requires developing countries to understand issues related to work organization, management, and working conditions. There are many factors slackening production, of which working conditions is part. A complete inquiry into the workers' working conditions can enable managements to reduce risks in the workplaces and improve productivity. Understanding and awareness of the benefits of workplace research and a probe into the working conditions in the Ugandan apparel assembly plants are urgently required. METHODS A total of 103 (70 women and 33 men) workers from five different plants were interviewed. Together with the top management of various plants, questionnaires about the workers' opinions of their physical working conditions were prepared. Data was collected using two methods: (1) questionnaire; and (2) observation of the workers during their work. RESULTS The results indicated that poor plant working conditions were mainly contributed by the workers' social factors and the management policies. CONCLUSION The government, together with the management, should work to improve the working conditions in the apparel assembly plants, as it greatly affects both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Tebyetekerwa
- College of Material Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, PR China
- Faculty of Science, Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nicholus Tayari Akankwasa
- Faculty of Science, Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda
- College of Textile Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Ifra Marriam
- College of Textile Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, PR China
- College of Textile Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan
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Associations between disc space narrowing, anterior osteophytes and disability in chronic mechanical low back pain: a cross sectional study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2017; 18:193. [PMID: 28506227 PMCID: PMC5433079 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-017-1562-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Radiographic features of lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) are common findings in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain; however, its role in disability and intensity of pain is debatable. This study aims to investigate the associations of the x-ray features of LDD and lumbar spondylolisthesis with severity of disability and intensity of pain. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 439 patients with chronic mechanical low back pain who attended the rheumatology clinic, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, from May 2012 to May 2014. Severity of disability was measured using Modified Oswestry Disability Index and intensity of pain was assessed using numeric rating scale (0–100). X-ray features of LDD (disc space narrowing, anterior osteophytes and overall LDD) and spondylolisthesis were assessed in lateral recumbent lumbar x-rays (L1/L2 to L5/S1) and graded by a consultant radiologist blinded to clinical data. Generalised linear model with linear response was used to assess the associations of x-ray features of LDD with severity of disability and intensity of pain adjusting for age, gender, body mass index and pain radiating into legs. Results Mean age was 48.99 ± 11.21 and 323 (73.58%) were females. 87 (19.82%) were obese. Mean severity of disability was 30.95 ± 13.67 and mean intensity of pain was 45.50 ± 20.37. 69 (15.72%), 26 (5.92%) and 85 (19.36%) patients had grade 2 disc space narrowing, anterior osteophytes and overall LDD, respectively. 51 (11.62%) patients had lumbar spondylolisthesis. Grade of disc space narrowing and overall LDD were not associated with severity of disability or intensity of pain. The presence of lumbar spondylolisthesis was associated with severity of disability. Female gender and pain radiating into legs were associated with severity of disability and intensity of pain. Advancing age was associated with x-ray features of LDD and lumbar spondylolisthesis. Conclusions Lumbar spondylolisthesis is associated with severity of disability in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain. Associations of x-ray features of LDD with severity of disability and intensity of pain are inconclusive. Female gender and pain radiating into legs are significant confounders.
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Stankevitz K, Schoenfisch A, de Silva V, Tharindra H, Stroo M, Ostbye T. Prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among Sri Lankan rubber tappers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2016; 22:91-8. [PMID: 27092589 DOI: 10.1080/10773525.2016.1168073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rubber tapping exposes workers to risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). OBJECTIVES This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with MSDs among Sri Lankan rubber tappers. METHODS Questionnaires were administered to 300 rubber tappers to measure MSDs and potential associated factors. Ergonomic exposure levels were measured for 90 tappers using the Quick Exposure Check instrument. MSD prevalence and prevalence ratios were calculated using log-binomial regression. RESULTS In the past 12 months, 66% of rubber tappers in our sample experienced an MSD. Ergonomic exposure levels were high or very high in the back (94.4%), shoulders (96.7%), and neck (83.3%). Being female, older, Tamil, working two jobs, alternating tapping hands, and depression were significantly associated with increased risk of MSDs. CONCLUSIONS MSDs are common among rubber tappers in Sri Lanka. These results suggest a need for work process modifications to prevent MSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Stankevitz
- a Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University , Durham , NC ¸ USA
| | - Ashley Schoenfisch
- b Department of Community and Family Medicine , Duke University Medical Center , Durham , NC , USA
| | - Vijitha de Silva
- c Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine , University of Ruhuna , Galle , Sri Lanka
| | - Hemajith Tharindra
- c Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine , University of Ruhuna , Galle , Sri Lanka
| | - Marissa Stroo
- b Department of Community and Family Medicine , Duke University Medical Center , Durham , NC , USA
| | - Truls Ostbye
- a Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University , Durham , NC ¸ USA.,b Department of Community and Family Medicine , Duke University Medical Center , Durham , NC , USA.,d Program in Health Service and Systems Research , Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School , Singapore
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12
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Noda M, Malhotra R, DeSilva V, Sapukotana P, DeSilva A, Kirkorowicz J, Allen J, Østbye T. Occupational risk factors for low back pain among drivers of three-wheelers in Sri Lanka. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2015; 21:216-24. [PMID: 25133353 PMCID: PMC4597010 DOI: 10.1179/2049396714y.0000000071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 5% of all households in Sri Lanka operate a three-wheeler as their primary source of income. However, very little is known about the occupational health risks associated with driving these vehicles. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess occupational risk factors, including the number of hours worked associated with the 4-week prevalence of low back pain (LBP) among drivers of three-wheelers. METHODS Questionnaires were administered to 200 full-time drivers of three-wheelers from the Galle District in Sri Lanka. Occupational, psychological, socio-demographic, lifestyle, and anthropometric variables were collected. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to investigate the correlation between occupational risk factors of the prevalence of LBP. RESULTS 15·5% of respondents reported experiencing LBP in the previous 4 months. Univariate analysis revealed that the number of hours worked per week, feeling pressure to compete with other drivers, and perceived stress scale scores were significantly associated with the 4-week prevalence of LBP. Multivariate analysis found that the number of hours worked per week and engine type were significantly associated with LBP. CONCLUSIONS LBP is common among drivers of three-wheelers in Sri Lanka. Long work hours and two-stroke engines were significantly associated with LBP. Results from this study point towards a role for educational, behavioral health, and policy interventions to help prevent and reduce LBP among these drivers.
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Saha A, Mukherjee AK, Ravichandran B. Musculoskeletal problems and fluoride exposure: A cross-sectional study among metal smelting workers. Toxicol Ind Health 2015; 32:1581-8. [PMID: 25653036 DOI: 10.1177/0748233714568477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Frequent and repetitive activities in job and awkward postures are shown as major contributors of musculoskeletal problems in most of the occupational health studies; however, efforts to explore newer risk factor are important to plan interventional measures. In this backdrop, this study examined contribution of fluoride exposure to musculoskeletal complaints. A cross-sectional interviewer-administered questionnaire survey was conducted involving 180 randomly selected subjects from a metal smelting industry. Clinical examination of the subjects was also performed to assess their health status and morbidity details. Assessment of personal exposure to particulate and gaseous fluoride at workplace was conducted. Urinary fluoride level was also examined in post-shift samples collected from study subjects. The mean age of the study subjects was 39.1 (±6.7) years. Majority of the workers (42.5%) were engaged in pot room. About 54% workers were suffering from backache and 66% subjects had joint pain. Exposure of workers to both particulate and gaseous fluoride and post-working shift urinary fluoride level was significantly higher in pot-room workers in comparison with all other workers. It was observed that age (odds ratio (OR): 1.62; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18-2.34), drinking untreated water (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.03-2.76), working in pot room (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.13-1.91) and urinary fluoride level (OR: 2.71; 95% CI: 1.81-3.75) had significant effects on musculoskeletal complaints. This study concludes that along with other predictors such as nature of work, posture at work and age of worker, exposure to fluoride also has significant role in the occurrence of musculoskeletal morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Saha
- Regional Occupational Health Centre (Eastern), Indian Council of Medical Research, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - A K Mukherjee
- Regional Occupational Health Centre (Eastern), Indian Council of Medical Research, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - B Ravichandran
- Regional Occupational Health Centre (Southern), Indian Council of Medical Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Alamgir H, Cooper SP, Delclos GL. Garments fire: history repeats itself. Am J Ind Med 2013; 56:1113-5. [PMID: 23813638 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hasanat Alamgir
- School of Public Health; University of Texas; San Antonio Campus; Texas
| | - Sharon P. Cooper
- School of Public Health; University of Texas; San Antonio Campus; Texas
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