Prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among Myanmar migrant workers in Thai seafood industries

Abstract

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with self-administered questionnaires among 368 Myanmar migrant workers to investigate the prevalence of and to determine the risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the Thai seafood industry. The results showed the prevalence of MSDs was 45.1% occurring in the last 7 days. Marital status, number of dependents, other health problems, working hours, repetitive hand movements, awkward posture of wrists, prolonged standing, and manual handling of heavy loads were found to be associated with MSDs. Multiple logistic regression indicated that the workers who were married, had more than two dependents, and had more exposure to awkward wrist postures were at significantly increased risk of MSDs. The study findings suggest the need for adequate knowledge of ergonomics and for awareness campaign programs focusing on prevention of MSDs, especially low back pain, to be initiated in industries for earlier detection of symptoms among seafood processing workers.

Keywords:

• work-related musculoskeletal disorders
• Myanmar workers
• Thai seafood industries

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the China Medical Board which provided support to conduct this research, as well as the board of directors, managers, and Myanmar workers from the seafood processing industry, Samutsongkhram Province, Thailand.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.