Musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors among heavy load carriers in Yaounde city, Cameroon. Issue 2 (3rd April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mbang Bian, William; Mekoulou Ndongo, Jerson; Richard Guessogo, Wiliam; Ebal Minye, Edmond; Ndemba, Peguy Brice Assomo; Gassina, Georges; Mandengue, Samuel Honoré; Temfemo, Abdou
• Is Part Of: International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics. Volume 28:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 1244
• Page End: 1250
• Publication Date: 2022-04-03
• Subjects: musculoskeletal disorders -- risk factors -- heavy load -- Cameroon; Human engineering -- Periodicals; Industrial safety -- Periodicals; Human Engineering -- Periodicals; Occupational Health -- Periodicals; Ergonomie -- Périodiques; Sécurité du travail -- Périodiques; Human engineering; Industrial safety; Periodicals; 620.8
• DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2021.1886452
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1080-3548

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives . This study assessed musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and their correlates among heavy load carriers in Yaounde city, Cameroon. Methods . A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 301 healthy male handlers. Descriptive statistics were used to determine prevalence while logistic regression was performed to determine associated factors. Results . MSD prevalence was 100 and 87.7% during the last 12 months and 7 days, respectively. Main sites affected were, respectively, the lower back (84.1 and 61.1%), hips/thighs (81.1 and 47.2%) and neck (74.7 and 43.2%). MSD risk factors were age 25–30 years during the last 12 months (odds ratio [ OR ] = 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] [−1.2, 6.5]) and 7 days ( OR = 4.2; 95% CI [−1.7, 10.7]) for the neck and the last 12 months ( OR = 2.6; 95% CI [−1.1, 5.8]) for shoulders. Overweight was a risk factor for wrists/hands in the last 12 months ( OR = 2.7; 95% CI [−11.0, 7.2]). Seniority of 5–10 years was a risk factor for the lower back ( OR = 1.8; 95% CI [−1.0, 3.3]) and hips/thighs ( OR = 3.2; 95% CI [−1.7, 5.8]) in the last 7 days. Conclusion . Handlers showed high MSD prevalence in most sites, e.g., lower back, upper back, hips/thighs, shoulders and neck. Associated significant factors were age, overweight and seniority.