![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.png)
Introduction:
The study examined the prevalence of musculo-skeletal pain and discomfort (MSDs) among women in informal sector and identified the occupational, environmental and psychosocial factors affecting the MSDs.
Methods
Methods:
A questionnaire including general health, psychosocial issues and ergonomic analysis of work and work method was administered among women workers (N=1345). Prevalence of MSDs was recorded and risk factors as demographic dimensions, work stressors, stress symptoms and task variables associated with MSDs were estimated.
Results
Results:
Women (age 30±11.3 yrs) reported MSDs in upper back (71%), lower back (66%), knee (41%), leg (32%), hand (29%) and forearm (12%). The severity of pain was high among workers with elevated co-morbidity (pain in two or more regions). Women perceived work posture (26%) and work pattern (27%) to be the cause of development of MSDs. Relative risk estimate suggested that women workers with age >30 years (OR 2.18), BMI >25 (OR 1.72), digestive & cardio-vascular problem (OR 1.68 and OR 2.24), poor job autonomy & neuroticism (OR 1.62, and OR 1.34) and poor literacy (OR 1.34), were more prone to the development of MSDs. Work place design (p<0.05), work posture (p<0.01), auxiliary support (p<0.001), machine characteristics (p<0.001), organizational support (p<0.001) were found to be correlated with the occurrence of MSDs. The Principal Component Analysis yielded three components like work environment, method of work and psycho-social factors as the stressors related to MSDs.
Discussion
Discussion:
There is high prevalence of MSDs among women in informal sector. Work analysis indicates the multifactor influence in the development of MSDs. Postural load is not the only contributory factor for development of upper/lower back pain. Relationship between pain, psycho-physical & other aspects of work calls for effective management of work in informal sector. The study highlighted the job design needs to mitigate the hazards.