Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors among weavers: A cross-sectional study

South African Journal of Physiotherapy

 
 
Field Value
 
Title Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors among weavers: A cross-sectional study
 
Creator Kaboré, Pegdwendé A. Schepens, Bénédicte
 
Subject Physiotherapy; Health key indicator method; ergonomic; Nordic questionnaire; workplace; handloom weavers; informal sector
Description Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are a major health issue for low-income countries because of their high prevalence among workers and on account of the scarcity of ergonomic preventative measures in the workplace.Objectives: To determine the prevalence of WRMSDs among weavers, assess their consequences, and analyse the associated occupational risk factors.Method: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 257 handloom weavers using the Nordic questionnaireand the working conditions were assessed through a descriptive analysis using the key indicator method.Results: The WRMSDs annual prevalence was 85% in all parts of the body, 71% for the low back region, 41% for the shoulders, and 37% for the knees. One quarter of the weavers indicated having stopped work for 1–30 days because of their low back pain (LBP). The prevalence of WRMSDs was associated with the number of hours worked per day, the years of experience, and age. Long working hours, load carrying ( 20 kg – 25 kg), awkward postures, repetitive limb movements, and unfavourable environmental conditions were identified as occupational risk factors.Conclusion: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are common among weavers and LBP is the most frequently cited disorder and the primary reason for work interruptions and a decrease of activities. The prevalence of WRMSDs is associated with professional and personal factors. Actions based on ergonomic rules are necessary to prevent WRMSDs.Clinical implications: Our study highlights the issue of WRMSDs and the need for prevention in the informal sector, which constitutes the major part of economic activity in low-income countries.
 
Publisher AOSIS
 
Contributor Wallonie-Bruxelles International (WBI, Belgium, PVB/BE.BF.Projet.1.4/MAV/mav/SOR/2019) and the Association pour la Promotion de l’Education et de la Formation à l’Etranger (APEFE, Belgium)
Date 2023-07-31
 
Type info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion — Cross-sectional study
Format text/html application/epub+zip text/xml application/pdf
Identifier 10.4102/sajp.v79i1.1904
 
Source South African Journal of Physiotherapy; Vol 79, No 1 (2023); 9 pages 2410-8219 0379-6175
 
Language eng
 
Relation
The following web links (URLs) may trigger a file download or direct you to an alternative webpage to gain access to a publication file format of the published article:

https://sajp.co.za/index.php/sajp/article/view/1904/3303 https://sajp.co.za/index.php/sajp/article/view/1904/3304 https://sajp.co.za/index.php/sajp/article/view/1904/3305 https://sajp.co.za/index.php/sajp/article/view/1904/3306
 
Coverage West Africa — Weavers
Rights Copyright (c) 2023 Pegdwendé A. Kaboré, Bénédicte Schepens https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
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