E037 Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases among olive pickers: prevalence, characteristics, management, treatments expectations and beliefs

Abstract

Background/Aims Olive oil is a core part of the Mediterranean diet, as its consumption is associated with increased longevity. Olive pickers are those in charge of the harvest of olives. They are exposed to ergonomic hazards that might lead to rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Therefore, it is crucial for them to adopt the correct strategies to prevent and treat RMDs. However, there is a lack of studies focusing on the prevalence, prevention and treatments of RMDs among this population. Hence, this study highlighted the prevalence, characteristics and management of RMDs in olives pickers, their expectations about the treatments, and beliefs about their job to the onset of RMDs. Methods A web-based cross-sectional survey was developed to collect data from an Italian olive pickers’ cohort in the Liguria region. The survey investigated the sample’s 1) prevalence and characteristics of RMDs, 2) preventive and treatment activities for RMDs, 3) expectations about RMD treatments, and 3) beliefs about their job and RMD onset. Results From January to July 2021, we collected data from 127 participants (99 males (78%); 28 females (22); mean age 52±13). Prevalence of RMDs over one month, over six months, and over one year was 61.6% (95% confidence interval [51.3%-71.2%]), 77.8% [68.3%-85.5%], and 84.8% [76.3%-91.2%], respectively. The most affected joints were the lumbar spine (61%), the shoulders (57%), and the cervical spine (46%). The pain was experienced by 63% of participants during the harvest time and by 30% at the end. To prevent the onset of RMDs, 44% of participants did nothing, and 94% of them never attended any physical activity preventive course for their profession. To reduce pain, 45% of participants took painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs. Roughly 63% of participants reported avoiding specific movements, and 45% feared movement could enhance their pain. Due to the pain, 62% of participants were referred to health professionals. Participants expected to be educated on the right movements to perform (62%) and to receive manual treatments (46%) from health professionals. Participants believed that having a straight spine while working was crucial for their health (89%) and that physical activity was important for their joint wellness (82%). Conclusion RMDs strongly impact Ligurian olive pickers since one out of two experienced them. More attention should be given to the education of this population to provide them with preventive and managerial strategies for preventing and treating RMDs. Oliver pickers stressed the need to be educated on working ergonomics and the perceived importance of physical activity on health. Future studies should test the generalisability of these results to a broader sample and explore the efficacy of an educational programme focused on working ergonomics and preventive physical activity. Disclosure B. Giardulli: None. S. Battista: None. M. Testa: None.