Pain and functional limitation among rural female Gambian head-load carriers a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Head-load carrying is a common phenomenon across sub-Saharan Africa. The Gambia shows an above average rate of female head-load carriers compared to other sub-Saharan African countries. Hitherto few studies have investigated the impact on women’s health due to head load carrying.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine whether head-load carrying characteristics, that includes besides others the carried weight; neck range of motion and proprioception could explain neck pain and functional limitation among female head-load carriers in rural Gambia.

Methods

Cross-sectional study. Women aged 18–45 years with a minimum of one year of head-load carrying experience were examined. The relationship between explanatory variables such as upper cervical ROM and proprioception, and head-load carrying characteristics towards pain and functional limitation have been examined using regression models. Frequencies between functional limitation and regions of pain complaints have been determined.

Results

Neck pain complaints were most frequently reported. Functional limitation was stronger associated with lower back pain but not with neck pain. Limitations in upper cervical mobility was the strongest physical explanatory variable for pain and functional limitation. Women suffering from moderate to severe pain and functional limitation carried approximately three kg less weight.

Keywords:

• Head-load carrying
• neck
• functional limitation
• upper cervical spine
• range of motion

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Marco Hiestand, and the Saho family for their tremendous support throughout the process of this research study; Demba Faye for helping during the measurements; Samba Bah for helping in the organisation; The Alkalo and all the participants of Marakissa Village, The Gambia.

Author contributions

MHS outlined the study, collected the data and drafted the manuscript, PS outlined the study, obtained the ethical approval and proofread the manuscript, MJE outlined the study, helped collecting the data, analysed the data and proofread the manuscript.

All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Data availability statement

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are not publicly available due but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request