Prevalence And Profile Of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Peasant Farmers In A Rural Community In South-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Background and objective: Rural Farmers, representing a significant proportion of workers in Africa, are more likely to suffer from work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) than other types of health hazards due to high level of manual labour involved in farming. Till date, there is paucity of studies on prevalence of WMSDs among rural farmers in Africa. This study investigated the prevalence and profile of WMSDs among farmers in a rural community in South-western Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for conducting community surveys, this study recruited community farmers from Gudugbu village, Oyo State, Nigeria using the multistage sampling technique. An adapted questionnaire from the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used as the survey instrument. Data collected on demographics, lifetime, 12 months and past 7 days prevalence, and pattern of WMSDs among the farmers was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Majority of farmers have experienced WMSDs at least once in their lifetime (99.5%) and in the past 12 months (99.5%). As reported by the farmers, the neck (66.7%), shoulder (60.2%) and low-back (49.1%) were the most affected body parts over a 12-month prevalence period. The past 7 days prevalence for WMSDs was 56%. Conclusion: Reports of WMSDs are common among Nigerian peasant farmers employed in Gudugbu Village, South West, Nigeria, with the neck, shoulders and low-back being the most commonly injured body parts. Preventive programmes are recommended in order to reduce rate of WMSDs and promote productivity.
Keywords: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, prevalence, farmers, Gudugbu, Nigeria