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Musculoskeletal disorders among Irish farmers.
A Osborne1, C Blake, J McNamara
1UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science, Health Sciences Centre, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. aoife.osborne@teagasc.ie
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|September 17, 2010
Summary
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect over half of Irish farmers, with back and neck pain being most common. Longer working hours, not farm type, increase MSD risk.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Health
- Occupational Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Farming is associated with a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
- Limited research exists on MSD prevalence among farmers, particularly in Ireland.
- Understanding these risks is crucial for farmer well-being and productivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MSDs in Irish farmers.
- To identify the most frequently affected body regions.
- To explore factors contributing to the development of common MSDs.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was administered to 600 Irish farmers.
- Participants were selected from each of the six main farm enterprise systems.
- Data collection focused on MSD experience and potential influencing factors.
Main Results:
- 56% of surveyed farmers reported experiencing an MSD in the past year.
- Back pain (37%) and neck/shoulder pain (25%) were the most prevalent MSDs.
- MSDs were more common in farmers working longer hours; back pain was linked to full-time work, and hip pain to older age, longer farming duration, and longer hours.
Conclusions:
- The total number of hours worked appears to be a significant risk factor for MSDs in farmers.
- Farm enterprise type was not found to be a significant factor in MSD development.
- Further research is recommended to fully elucidate MSD risk factors in this population.
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