The Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Carpenters in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Occupation is as old as humans and is not devoid of health risks. Carpentry is a skilled occupation that could predispose  workers to associated health risks such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The carpentry work is becoming increasingly popular in the  northern part of Nigeria but the musculoskeletal disorders associated with the occupation have not been investigated.

Objectives: To  determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Carpenters in Kano Metropolis.

Methodology:  Three hundred (300) carpenters selected using a purposive sampling technique participated in this cross-sectional study. Their relevant  information was obtained using a modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Descriptive statistics of frequencies were used  to summarize the data. Spearman rank order correlation was used to analyze the relationships between the MSDs and socio- demographic characteristics using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0, the alpha level was set at 0.05.

Result: The  response rate was 100% with the majority (63.7%) aged between 18-29 years, 62% were single and 62.7% of them obtained a minimum of secondary school education. The annual and point prevalence of MSDs among carpenters were 82.7% and 41.7% respectively. Shoulder  (50.4%) and lower back (21%) regions have the highest MSD prevalence during the last 12 months and last 7 days respectively. There is a  statistically significant positive correlation between age and shoulder and lower back MSDs (p <0.05).

Conclusion: The prevalence of  MSDs among carpenters in the Kano metropolis is high, shoulder and lower back are the commonest affected regions. The prevalence of  MSDs increases with age.