Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and associated risk factors among domestic gas workers and staff of works department in Enugu, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The impact of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WMSS) permeates various occupations. Objective: To compare WMSS and associated risk factors among domestic gas workers (DGWs) and staff of Works Department (SWD) in Enugu. Methods: One-hundred adults (DGW = 50, SWD = 50) participated in this cross-sectional study. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and a demographics questionnaire were used to assess the prevalence of WMSS and related risk factors. Data were analysed using independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, and logistic regression at p < 0.05. Results: The DGWs (86%) had a significantly (χ2 = 24.45, p < 0.001) higher WMSS than the SWD (38%). Lower-back (54%) and shoulder (52%) were the most affected body parts among the DGWs in comparison to the hips/thighs (20%) among the SWD. Work-related factors such as daily work-duration (χ2 = 75.44, p < 0.001), lifting training (χ2 = 96.24, p < 0.001), and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) of facemask (χ2 = 100.0, p < 0.001) and gloves (χ2 = 96.09, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with general WMSS among the DGWs. However, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (OR = 1.29, p = 0.018), work duration > 8 h/day (OR = 0.001, p = 0.028), female gender (OR = 6.98-10.26, p < 0.05), sleep duration < 6 h/day (OR = 0.56-0.73, p < 0.05) and poor exercise behaviour (OR = 0.15, p = 0.013) were the identified independent risk factors of WMSS among DGWs, while DBP (OR = 0.99, p = 0.012) and female gender (OR = 6.47, p = 0.032) were the only identified independent risk factors for SWD.

Ergonomic evaluation and the predictors of occupation related musculoskeletal disorders among tailors in Enugu Metropolis

“…This biomechanics of this task involves constrained posture of the knee joint that will enhance a repetitive movement of dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the ankle joints. This constrained posture and repetitive motion may probably be responsible for the higher prevalence of knee and ankle OMSDs (23.3 and 8.1%) when compared with those of domestic gas workers of similar demographics with the tailors in this study (8.0 and 2.0%) as reported by Oluka et al (2020). Also, majority of the tailors in the study worked actively over 8 h per day, in awkward and constrained postures with minimal rest breaks.…”

Ergonomic assessment of work-related musculoskeletal disorder and its determinants among commercial mini bus drivers and driver assistants (mini bus conductors) in Nigeria

“…The test–retest reliability of this instrument is ranges between 77–100% and the validity ranges between 80–100%. (13) It has a high specificity (0.71–0.88) and a high sensitivity (0.66–0.92) [ 14 ] This instrument has been used among healthy adult participants in this environment [ 5 , 15 ]…”

“…It is known that WMSDs can affect several parts of the body including upper and lower back, spine, neck, shoulders and extremities [ 2 , 3 ]. It has been opined that WMSD is related to the kind of occupation one is involved in, such as driving, manual handling, as well as awkward body postures and gestures [ 4 , 5 ] .…”

Prevalence, Pattern and Risk Factors for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Nigerian Plumbers

“…CC-BY 4.0 International license It is made available under a is the author/funder, who has granted medRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. (which was not certified by peer review) Ibbs -Interprets blueprints and building specifications to map layout for pipes, drainage Ipf -Installs pipes and fixtures, such as sinks and toilets Isp -Installs support for pipes, equipment and fixtures prior to installation Afvi -Assembles fittings and valves for installation Mlpf -Modifies length of pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing materials as needed Uspc -Uses saws and pipe cutters as necessary Ihac -Installs heating and air conditioning systems including water heaters Tps -Tests plumbing systems for leaks and other problems Cpm -Chooses plumbing materials based on budget, location and intended uses Pio -Performs inspections and oversees other workers, such as apprentice Discussion Work-related musculoskeletal disorders account for significant work hazards in various industries, hence placing a negative socioeconomic impact on individuals, institutions, and the society [41]. Plumbing has been identified as an occupation with highrisk activities that result in WMSDs [35].…”

“…Less developed countries that are yet to attain the noteworthy automation and mechanization of works, are particularly prone to higher burden of WMSDs [9]. Studies have reported high rates of WMSDs among occupational groups that depend on manual approaches [41] [26].…”