WORK RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG TAILORS IN MOSHI MUNICIPAL

F.I. Olotu¹, S. Salim¹, B. Nicodem¹, O. Majuala¹, D. Kinoko¹

¹Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Physiotherapy, Moshi, Tanzania

Background: Nowadays there is increase numerous brand of clothes and styles which demand greater efforts in tailoring works involving cutting, assembly, pressing and drafting for better fit, this works increase the risk of developing work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among this occupational group (Mendhe, 2019). Little is known about work related musculoskeletal disorders among tailors in Moshi Municipal.

Purpose: To determine the point prevalence, common anatomical sites, symptoms and factors associated with work related musculoskeletal disorders among tailors in Moshi Municipal.

Methods: A Cross-sectional study was conducted in Moshi Municipal. Administered questionnaire was designed for this study and used to collect data on the prevalence, anatomical sites, symptoms and factors associated with Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among tailors in Moshi. Data were entered into SPSS version 20 then transferred to STATA version 13 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were performed to summarize the data. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between explanatory variables and Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, those with p-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo) research committee and Moshi Municipal Medical Officer incharge.

Results: The study included a total of 240 tailors working in Moshi Municipal. Prevalence of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among tailors in Moshi Municipal was 55.4%. The most common anatomical site reported was low back (lumbar region) (45.4%). The most common reported symptom was pain (55.4%). Factors such as age (years) (36 – 60)(OR=2.85, 95% CI: 1.64 ; 4.94, p<0.001), being female (OR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.32 ; 0.91, p=0.021), being married (OR=4.81, 95% CI: 2.61 ; 8.85, p<0.001), separated (OR=8.90, 95% CI: 2.25 ; 9.99, p=0.002), overweight (OR=1.93, 95% CI: 1.10 ; 3.38, p=0.022), obesity (OR=5.37, 95% CI: 2.05 ; 8.81, p=0.001), bending posture (OR=2.25, 95% CI: 1.94 ; 5.36, p=0.008), using a proper chair (OR=0.49, 95% CI: 0.26 ; 0.93, p=0.03), using a chair with backrest (OR=0.46, 95% CI: 0.27 ; 0.78, p=0.004) and using a chair with cushion (OR=0.53, 95% CI: 0.32 ; 0.89,p=0.016) were associated with Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among tailors in Moshi Municipal.

Conclusions: This study provides information on the prevalence, anatomical sites, symptoms and risk factors of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among tailors in Moshi Municipal.

Implications: Tailors should be educated on how to prevent Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders through practicing proper postures, using proper chairs and simple exercises at work to avoid Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Funding acknowledgements: This study was not funded.

Keywords:
Work-related
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Tailors

Topics:
Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal

Did this work require ethics approval? No

Reason: These were Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy students at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, whereby research is a requirement for their completion of studies and I was their supervisor. Regarding the nature of this study instead of being given ethical approval, we were given a permission to conduct the study from the Moshi Municipal Medical officer incharge.