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Akinfeleye A.M.1,2, Okafor U.A.C.3, Danjuma M.E.3
1Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Department of Physiotherapy, Lagos, Nigeria, 2University of Cape Town, Division of Physiotherapy, Cape Town, South Africa, 3University of Lagos, Department of Physiotherapy, Lagos, Nigeria
Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are major global health issues affecting individuals across all occupations of which individual, physical and psychosocial factors have been connected as possible risk factors. Work in the electric utility sector is designed for generation, transmission and distribution of electric power, it is characterized by exposure to multiple stressors: physical, biomechanical, biological and psychosocial factors. Few studies have assessed the prevalence and risk factors for WMSDs in this occupational group. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no such studies previously published in Nigeria.
Purpose: To investigate the prevalence, pattern and risk factors for WMSDs among electric utility workers in selected electric power companies in Lagos, Nigeria.
Methods: In this quantitative cross-sectional survey, a total of 210 copies of the questionnaire were distributed among the respondents who were selected by a simple random sampling technique in selected electric generation, transmission and distribution companies. The questionnaire included information on socio-demographic and physical characteristics variables. The point and 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders were captured using the modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire while perceived physical work demand/load was assessed by VAS and psychosocial risk factors by job content questionnaire. The QuickDASH questionnaire was used to evaluate disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hands and its impacts on work performance. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics of percentages and means; inferential statistics of chi square was employed in exploring associations between risk factors and occurrence of WMSDs. Significance was set at p 0.05.
Results: A total of 180 valid copies of the distributed questionnaire were returned and included in analysis giving a response rate of 85.7%. The 12-month prevalence of WMSDs among the respondents was 78.9% with point prevalence of 53.3%. The wrist/hand, lower back and shoulders respectively were the body parts most affected. Age, BMI and work experience all had significant association to prevalence of WMSDs (p= 0.009, p=0.048, p=0.000) respectively. Psychosocial risk factors had no association to the occurrence of WMSDs although there was a significant association between perceived physical work demand/load and prevalence of WMSDs (p=0.02). The QuickDASH score showed significant association between disability of the arm, shoulder and hands and prevalence of WMSDs (P=0.002) with no impact of disability on job function (0.179).
Conclusion(s): A high proportion of electric utility workers presented with WMSDs of which the hand/wrist were the most affected body parts.High perceived workload was a significant associated risk factor for the occurrence of WMSDs.
Implications: The outcome of this study suggests the need for preventative measures and may help in the planning of an ergonomic intervention in this occupational group.
Funding acknowledgements: We received no funding for this study.
Topic: Occupational health & ergonomics
Ethics approval: study was approved by the Health Research and Ethics Committee of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos. Approval reference no: ADM/DCS/HREC/APP/804
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
