Prevalence and associated risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among road construction workers in a Nigerian community

Abstract

Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) represent a significant occupational problem among road construction workers. This study conducted a prevalence and symptom survey of WRMDs among road construction workers in a Nigerian community and its relationship with risk factors over a twelve month period.

The study involved 100 consecutively sampled respondents from construction workers in a Nigerian community. The short version of the Dutch Musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, 12 months’ prevalence, risk factor and health seeking behavior of respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while spearman rank correlation was used to test correlation at 0.05 α level.

A high WRMDs prevalence of 66% rate was reported, with low back (55%) being the most frequently reported body part for symptoms, followed by neck at 45%, while the least prevalent was the left hip/thigh (8%). Significant correlations existed between WRMDs and BMI (p= 0.003), work hours per week (p = 0.018), work exertion (p = 0.004), risk factors (p = 0.001). Logistics regression analysis showed that work organizational factors were significant predictors of WRMDs report of symptoms. Meanwhile, self-medication was the major means adopted by the respondents to alleviate musculoskeletal pain.

It is recommended that preventive strategies be adopted to minimize occurrence of WRMDs among these workers in Nigeria.

Keywords: Work-related, Musculoskeletal disorders, Prevalence, Risk factors, Self-medication