Work-related musculoskeletal disorders: A case study among male molasses workers in Nadia district of West Bengal, India

Journal Title: International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health - Year 2017, Vol 6, Issue 12

Abstract

Background: Molasses making is one of the most agro-based sectors in India where about 4.50 core rural people are involved in the sugarcane cultivation and 5 lakh are directly engaged in the small-scale industries. The workers are prone to different health problems, but the effect has rarely been evaluated. Objectives: The aim of this study is to identify the musculoskeletal disorders of the molasses making workers and its association with age, experience, education, and addiction to smoking and alcohol. Materials and Methods: Working postures are analyzed by Ovako Working Posture Analysis System method. A modified Nordic questionnaire is used to survey the workers’ work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), job details, and socioeconomic status. Statistical tests, namely, mean, standard deviation, odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) are computed to analyze the data. Results: Due to poor working postures, a large number of workers are suffering from lower back and shoulder pain. Strong associations are observed between upper back pain with the age group of 31-45 years (OR 2.03, 95% CI [0.84, 4.91]) and illiterate (OR 2.06, 95% CI [0.90, 4.71]) workers. High ORs for musculoskeletal disorders are found among experienced and non-addicted workers. Conclusions: Definite pattern of risk factors can be obtained by including workplace stress and strain in the study. Awareness and educational campaign about the wrong working postures and WMSDs will help to reduce the risk factors.

Authors and Affiliations

Gourab Biswas, Arkajit Bhattacharya, Rina Bhattacharya

Keywords

Related Articles

Pattern of internet use among college going adolescent students in Nagpur city: A cross sectional study

Background: The internet has playing extensive role in our daily lives. Internet use has both positive and negative aspects. The use of the internet on schools campus and in society has increased dramatically in recent y...

Perception of married women of reproductive age group toward permanent sterilization in a slum of Kolkata

Background: In India, the study of permanent sterilization is still a neglected area. It is required to understand the level of knowledge and attitudes of women toward permanent sterilization and makes them more responsi...

Microbial profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of orthopedic infections in a tertiary care hospital: A study from South India

Background: Orthopedic wound infections are one of the most important causes of morbidity and are difficult to treat. Changes in pathogenic microbial flora and the emergence of bacterial resistance are another problem in...

Evaluation of clinical communication skills training program for medical interns at a tertiary care teaching hospital, Puducherry

There is a lack of emphasis on formal training and assessment of clinical communication skills in undergraduate medical course in India which is considered to be an essential competency for a primary care...

Pattern and seasonal variations in death due to electrocution: A retrospective study

Background: Owing to extensive use of electricity in home and industries, electrocution injuries are one of the common causes of morbidity and mortality in India. Deaths due to fatal electric injuries are quite common...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP333197
  • DOI 10.5455/ijmsph.2017.0719108102017
  • Views 83
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Gourab Biswas, Arkajit Bhattacharya, Rina Bhattacharya (2017). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders: A case study among male molasses workers in Nadia district of West Bengal, India. International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 6(12), 1706-1712. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-333197