Older Female Farmers and Modeling of Occupational Hazards, Wellbeing, and Sleep-Related Problems on Musculoskeletal Pains

Abstract

Musculoskeletal pains seem to be the most prevalent among occupational diseases in older female farmers. This study analyzes the relationships between exposure to ergonomic or environmental hazards, sleep-related problems, wellbeing, and musculoskeletal pains in older female farmers. In this study, older farmer means a farmer aged ≥60, and 2005 older female farmers were selected. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to investigate the relationships. In the results of SEM, musculoskeletal pains were more affected by the level of wellbeing (standardized path coefficient = −0.149) than the level of sleep-related problems (standardized path coefficient = 0.131) or the exposure level of ergonomic hazards (standardized path coefficient = 0.086). Among the ergonomic risk factors felt by elderly female farmers, the influence level of “awkward posture” (0.735), “repetitive motion” (0.718), or “standing posture” (0.693) was greater than that of “manual material handling” (0.661). “Vibration” (0.786) and “noise” (0.683) were influential variables of environmental hazards. In addition, “upper limb pain” (0.796) and “lower limb pain” (0.751) variables were more influential variables of musculoskeletal pains than the “backache” (0.472) variable. This study shows that strategies to improve wellbeing or sleep problems are important to alleviate or prevent musculoskeletal pains among older female farmers.

Health Complaints, Mental Status and Quality of Life among the Aquaculture Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Northern Region of Peninsular Malaysia

“…Indeed, MSDs were found to be directly related to QoL by driving a negative impact on daily life function, psychological health, work capacity and income [ 50 , 51 ]. In addition, physically strenuous work is also associated with sleep-related problems [ 52 , 53 ]. Healthy sleep is fundamental to human health, as workers who suffer from insomnia are far more likely to be involved in a work-related accident than those who do not suffer from sleep disorders [ 54 , 55 ].…”

Health-Related Challenges and Programs Among Agriculture Workers: A Narrative Review

“…Musculoskeletal pain is usual in mature farmers. Pain in the back and lower limbs increases due to overwork, while pain in the upper extremities is less common [ 22 ]. The observed excess incidence of multiple myeloma in men in agricultural settings suggests the existence of both preventive and risk factors for cancer [ 23 ].…”

“…Agricultural workers commonly experience musculoskeletal disorders, including back, upper limb, and lower limb pain, due to repetitive movements, awkward or stretched postures, and standing. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in India is significant, with 52% of farmers reporting low back pain [ 22 ].…”

“…Most of the workers wore hats, with the practice of wide-brimmed hats being particularly noteworthy for minimizing sun exposure and the risk of skin cancer. The findings are crucial for identifying and establishing essential care actions that could enhance overall care, avoidance of pesticides, and a better standard of living for this agriculture framer [ 22 , 28 ]. Governments must recognize their responsibility as guardians of public health.…”

The Underlying Mechanisms of Sleep Deprivation Exacerbating Neuropathic Pain

“…Studies show that approximately one quarter of the US population experiences insomnia, that adults have experienced insomnia at least once, and that insomnia adversely affects disease prognosis and mortality risk. 7 A growing body of epidemiological evidence suggests that sleep deprivation and disorders are risk factors for physical 8 , 9 and mental health. 10 , 11 It is widely accepted that the relationship between sleep deprivation and pain is strong.…”