Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, ergonomics risk assessment and implementation of participatory ergonomics program for pistachio farm workers

Musculoskeletal disorders among taxi drivers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Taxi drivers, as professional drivers, encounter numerous ergonomic risk factors related to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) because of the demands of their jobs. This study conducted as a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore the prevalence of MSDs among taxi drivers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and its protocol was registered in the international prospective register of systematic review (PROSPERO) under the code CRD42024509258. Searches were carried out using various databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, SID, ISC, and Google Scholar, with no time restrictions until February 7th, 2024. A random effects model was utilized for meta-analysis, and the I2 index was employed to assess heterogeneity among studies. Lastly, data analysis was conducted using STATA software (version 14).

RESULTS

After the initial search, 1606 articles were extracted from the reviewed sources. Following screening, study selection, and quality evaluation, a total of 11 studies were chosen for meta-analysis, involving 5277 taxi drivers. Based on the results of the meta-analysis, the highest prevalence of MSDs among taxi drivers was related to the lower back region (53.87% (95% CI:40.89-66.84, I2= 98.7%, P < 0.001)). Additionally, the prevalence rates of MSDs in different body regions, such as the neck (38.15%), shoulder (34.97%), upper back (18.30%), and knee (14.10%), were also reported.

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings of this study, the prevalence of MSDs among taxi drivers is relatively high, and specific risk factors may contribute to the development of these disorders. Therefore, to prevent the occurrence of MSDs among taxi drivers, it is advisable to implement essential measures concerning the development of training programs, ergonomic interventions, and evaluation of the work environment.

Musculoskeletal Disorders among Agricultural Workers of Various Cultivation Activities in Upper Northeastern Thailand

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most significant work-related health conditions that are experienced by agricultural workers. This cross-sectional study has investigated MSDs among agriculturalists in upper northeastern Thailand. We assessed the types of MSDs, their severity, and their frequency. There were 889 cultivating agriculturalists from four provinces who participated in this study. The majority of the participants reported experiencing mild levels of MSDs (60.48%). Predominantly, the farmers who were working on cassava, vegetable, and sugarcane plantations reported experiencing the most severe MSDs in the knees/calves (22.40%). The rice plantation workers reported the largest number of MSDs complaints. The workers on rubber plantations and in sugarcane fields were more likely to feel knee/calf pain (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.05–2.39) and lower limb pain (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.35–2.89) than those who were working on rice and tobacco plantations. The individuals who were working on cassava, fruit, vegetable, and corn plantations were also more likely to report knee/calf pain (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.01–2.17) and lower limb pain (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.37–2.84) than those who were working on rice and tobacco plantations. The MSDs that were found among those working on agricultural activities affected many parts of their bodies. The ergonomic risk needs to be assessed in order to inform plantation workers of the implications in order to improve their health and well-being and to reduce the risks of MSDs.