Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Sugarcane Farmers in North-Eastern Thailand

Abstract

This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to identify prevalence and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among sugarcane farmers. Cluster random sampling was used to select 540 sugarcane farmers from 3 provinces in North-Eastern Thailand. Three related questionnaires, plus assessments by 2 expert physiotherapists, were used to check for factors associated with WMSDs and prevalence of WMSDs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regressions. The results indicated the prevalence of WMSDs among sugarcane farmers in the 7 days before the interview and looking back over the previous 12 months were 82.96% and 88.70%, respectively. Factors significantly associated with reporting WMSDs (P value < .05) during past 12 months were (a) repetitive motions (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-3.43), (b) working in awkward postures (adjusted OR = 1.95; 95% CI = 1.01-3.77), (c) forceful exertions (adjusted OR = 2.78; 95% CI = 1.54-5.02), and (d) stress about future income (adjusted OR = 1.80; 95% CI = 1.02-3.16). Recommendations are made for risk prevention strategies.