Fore-Warned Is Fore-Armed: Effect of Musculoskeletal Disorders on Sickness Absenteeism

Background Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common occupational diseases. MSDs cause an economic burden as they lead to disability, absenteeism, and reduced productivity. Although many risk factors have been associated with the incidence of MSDs, little is known about the predictive factors for the length of MSD-related absenteeism. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of MSDs among garment factory workers, determine the predictive factors for length of sickness absence, and evaluate the association of these factors with time. Methodology This prospective, observational, community-based study was conducted among garment factory workers. A total of 430 participants were included in the study by multistage sampling to assess the prevalence and factors causing MSDs, followed by a one-year follow-up to analyze the MSD-associated predictors for sickness absence. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The chi-square test and logistic regression were used to test significance, and Cox regression was used to determine the predictive factors for sickness absence. Results The mean age of the participants was 29.36 years. The 12-month prevalence showed that the most affected region was the lower back (70%), followed by the upper back (40%), with some workers experiencing both. There was a significant relation between MSDs and higher age, low work experience, being overweight, and long work hours (p < 0.05). According to the multivariate analysis, the perceived pain (hazards ratio (HR) = 1.14), perceived physical workload (HR = 1.14), and visiting a specialist 12 months prior to the current absence (HR = 1.68) were significantly associated with a longer sickness absence. Conclusions The lower and upper back were most commonly affected. The predictors for absence revealed that physical work overload and pain perception had a predominant role in the duration of absence. Hence, an ergonomically acceptable workplace with considerate rest periods will help enhance productivity.