Abstract

    Open Access Research Article Article ID: JNPPR-8-184

    A descriptive study of prevalence of musculoskeletal illnesses among farmers in faisalabad, Pakistan

    Osama Saeed, Umair Arif*, Muhammad Usman Saqib, Abubakar Sidiqque, Hammas Khalid and Aneeq Shahzad

    Background/objectives: The farming employs about half the world’s entire workforce. In most countries, farming is recognized as one of the most hazardous industries. Farming activities lead to awkward physical postures. These postures are: leaning, kneeling, crawling, bending, twisting to one side and repeated work that can result in physical stress and traumatic injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the ergonomic conditions and musculoskeletal symptoms among farmers in Faisalabad, Pakistan. 

    Methods/statistical analysis: This descriptive study was conducted on 80 farmers from different regions of Faisalabad who were between 25 to 80 years old and harvesting traditionally. Nordic Questionnaire (NMQ) was used for determining prevalence rate of musculoskeletal disorders. 

    Results: The obtained results indicated that the most reported musculoskeletal disorders in farmers are neck, wrist, low back with 75%, 77.5%, 66.25% respectively. We checked prevalence of MDS in different phases of harvesting, in 1st phase low back, neck, wrist with 88.75%, 87.5%, 82.5% respectively have the most musculoskeletal problems in farmers during sedentary picking up with hand. In 2nd phase low back, ankle, knee with 90%, 85%, 73.75% respectively have the most musculoskeletal problems in farmers during standing picking up with sickle. In 3rd phase knee, low back, hip with 93.75%, 90%, 73.75% respectively have the most musculoskeletal problems in farmers during collecting harvests from farm. In 4th phase hip, low back, ankle with 96.62, 92.5%, 77.5% respectively have the most musculoskeletal problems in farmers during packing.

    Conclusion: Low back pain is the major problem among farmers caused by harvesting harvests from farming, according to the results. Results indicate that harvesting plays a major role in the prevalence of musloskeletal disorders in the various parts of the body of the farmer. In the prevalence of muscloskeletal disorders of farmers, the height and age of farmers have a major role. The research showed that the working conditions of the studies farmers are unsustainable and need to be changed. As most farming practices are historically carried out priority based solution steps to minimize musculoskeletal disorders can be classified as training of ergonomics concepts in farming activities regular inspection and replacement of technical farming methods. 

    Keywords:

    Published on: Jan 27, 2021 Pages: 1-4

    Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/2455-5487.000084
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