Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among industrial sewing machine operators and their associated factors

This study aimed to assess musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among industrial sewing machine operators through a survey with a descriptive and explanatory design. MSDs and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms were assessed through the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and indoor air questionnaire, respectively. Data were collected from 407 participants randomly and analyzed by frequency, percentages, structural equation modeling and ordinal logistic regression. Most of the participants experienced pain in the lower back (85.0%), shoulders (83.3%), head (79.6%) and neck (76.2%). The most common SBS symptoms were found in the nose (M 3.66). Runny nose, itching and sneezing attacks occurred always in 166 (40.8%), 152 (37.3%) and 195 (47.9%) participants, respectively. Statistically significant relationships were found between environmental factors and SBS symptoms, and SBS symptoms and MSDs. All job-related factors were associated with MSDs in at least one body part. The findings imply the need for an ergonomic intervention to improve sewing workstations.