Abstract:

A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in the industry with the objectives of determination of MSDs symptoms prevalence in different anatomical location of body region; identification of major factors and socio-demographic characteristics associated with MSDs symptoms in handloom occupation. First, musculoskeletal problems were surveyed by questionnaire among 450 weavers selected conveniently. The results of this part revealed that symptoms from the musculoskeletal system occurred in high rate among weavers with the prevalence significantly higher. All body region were affected by musculoskeletal problems, among them high prevalence found in neck (69.72%) and shoulder (69.17%) region and lowest in ankle (23.89%) region in last 7 days. Most of the sick leave found for neck, knee, and shoulder and hips pain. Statistical analysis indicated that age of the handloom workers influence musculoskeletal problems was significantly higher in lower back and ankle region (p<0.05). Personal income and family income was a factor to aggravate musculoskeletal problem but it was not statistically significant (p≥0.05). Family size was a strong factor to influence musculoskeletal problems in upper back, lower back and knee region (p<0.05). Job experience was a key factor to aggravate musculoskeletal problems in all body region was statistically significant (p<0.05). Among all body region, highest musculoskeletal problems was found in lower back region (p<0.05). Working hour was significant only in elbow region (p<0.05). Working days per week was significantly severe in ankle region (p<0.05). General working condition score was 2, 3, 4 among 13. General working condition score were significantly higher in some body region, among them knee (p<0.05) region was significantly higher. Ankle pain was statistically significant with working posture of handloom workers (p<0.05). Musculoskeletal problems were positively associated with age, individual and family income, family size, job experience, working hour per day, working days per week, general working condition and working posture. Long hours of static work with awkward posture at traditionally designed looms can lead high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among handloom weavers.

Keywords: Musculoskeletal Problems, Handloom Workers.

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