Musculoskeletal morbidity among construction workers: A cross-sectional community-based study
Gopireddy M M Reddy1, B Nisha1, Thangaraj G Prabhushankar2
1Department of Community Medicine, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Chennai, India.
Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|April 28, 2017
Summary
Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent in Indian construction workers, affecting over a third. Factors like work duration and hours significantly increase the risk of these occupational illnesses.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The construction industry in India is growing, but workers face significant occupational disease risks.
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a leading cause of work-related illness, particularly impacting construction workers (77%).
- Limited research exists in India on the burden and impact of MSDs among construction workers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal morbidities in Indian construction workers.
- Utilized the modified Nordisk Scale for accurate assessment.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted in Chennai.
- Employed a multistage cluster random sampling method (30 x 10 clusters).
- Included 308 construction workers in the final analysis.
Main Results:
- 33.8% of construction workers reported musculoskeletal problems.
- Low backache (20.8%), shoulder pain (11.7%), and wrist pain (11.7%) were the most common issues.
- Increased age, longer work duration, and longer work hours were statistically linked to higher MSD prevalence.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of musculoskeletal morbidity exists among construction workers in India.
- These conditions have a significant adverse impact on worker health.
- Urgent preventive measures are necessary to address this public health concern.
