Musculoskeletal disorders, psychosocial stress and associated factors among home-based migrant care workers

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and psychological stress in home-based female migrant care workers (MCWs) remain unknown.

To 1) investigate the prevalence of MSDs and psychological stress and associations between subjective questionnaires on MSDs/psychological stress and biomedical examinations, and 2) identify the risk factors related to MSDs and psychological stress.

This study recruited 85 MCWs. Data was collected using questionnaires, urine analysis and X-ray examinations. Correlations between subjective questionnaires and biomedical examinations were investigated. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to explore risk factors.

The prevalence of MSDs and psychological stress were 70.6% and 37.6%, respectively. MSDs were commonly reported over the neck, lower back, shoulders, and upper back. There was a moderate correlation between MSDs and abnormal X-ray findings. Risk factors associated with MSDs included higher education level, frequent transferring and bedside care activities, lacking caregiver training in Taiwan, inadequate sleep, and drinking tea or coffee. Risk factors associated with psychological stress included inadequate salary, lacking caregiver training in Taiwan, and insufficient knowledge of body mechanics techniques.

MSDs and psychological stress were common among home-based female MCWs. Educational level, frequent transferring and bedside care activities, and lack of caregiver training in Taiwan, were the most dominant risk factors.