Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) among agricultural workers

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Public Health
• Ergonomics

Background:

• Farming is a major industry in Bangladesh, with a large workforce exposed to unique occupational risks.
• Musculoskeletal problems are frequently observed in agricultural workers, impacting their health and productivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of musculoskeletal problems among farmers in Bangladesh.
• To identify specific body parts affected and common pain characteristics.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 male farmers in a selected district of Bangladesh.
• Data were collected on demographics, work history, pain symptoms, and ergonomic factors.

Main Results:

• 42% of farmers reported body pain, and 65.5% experienced joint pain/stiffness in the past year.
• Knee (48.1%) and back pain (22.9%) were most prevalent. Pain was associated with longer work duration (>20 years) and daily hours (6+).
• Squatting positions and weeding activities were linked to higher pain incidence. Most farmers stopped work temporarily due to pain.

Conclusions:

• Traditional farming practices and poor ergonomic conditions contribute significantly to musculoskeletal problems in Bangladeshi farmers.
• Interventions focusing on ergonomic improvements and work practices are crucial for mitigating these health issues.