Ergonomic disparities in Bọlẹ vending: Anthropometric analysis of worker-platform mismatch and health implications in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Mismatches between worker characteristics and work tools are among the major drivers of many health issues, including musculoskeletal disorders, in long-standing jobs like Bọlẹ vending in Nigeria. This study's objectives were to assess the degree to which the anthropometric characteristics of Bọlẹ vendors match those of their vending platforms, the impact of gender on that match, the postural discomfort associated with the work, and the safety and well-being of vendors in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A crosssectional study design was employed to investigate 116 participants in seven Bọlẹ hotspot locations with a complete surveying technique. Data were collected through pre-tested, questionnaire administration and anthropometric measurements. The collected data were analysed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results showed that males were significantly taller than females, but female participants had a significantly higher mass, waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI) than males. Overall, 15.5% of the participants who were found to be obese were females. The anthropometric results indicated that 44.4% and 61.8% of vendor-platform height did not match male and female vendors’ anthropometric characteristics, respectively. Safety risks reported ranged from bruises (1.7%) to burns (26.7%), and health risks ranged from typhoid (0.9%) to internal heat (18.1%). Long-standing awkward postures and other stressors in the vending of Bọlẹ could increase the risk of experiencing back, waist, leg, and shoulder discomforts.