Exploring musculoskeletal pain among Italian olive pickers: A cross-sectional investigation into prevalence, attitudes, expectations, and beliefs.

Abstract

Background: Olive pickers confront ergonomic hazards when performing work activities that may lead to musculoskeletal pain (MSK) that must be adequately managed. The success of MSK pain prevention and treatment strategies is linked to olive pickers' state of empowerment, shaped by expectations and beliefs.

Objective: This study highlighted the prevalence of MSK pain among Italian olive pickers and explored their attitudes, expectations, and beliefs about MSK pain prevention and care.

Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey instrument was developed to collect data from an Italian olive pickers' cohort in the Liguria region. The survey investigated the sample on (1) MSK pain prevalence and characteristics, (2) preventive and treatment activities for MSK pain, (3) expectations about MSK pain treatments, and (4) beliefs about their job and MSK pain onset.

Results: From January to July 2021, we collected data from 127 participants (78% men); mean age 52 ± 13). Prevalence of MSK pain over one month, six months, and one year was 61.6%, 77.8%, and 84.8%, respectively. The most affected joints were the lumbar spine (61%), the shoulders (57%), and the cervical spine (46%). To prevent the onset of MSK pain, 44% of participants did nothing, and 94% of them never attended any preventive physical activity.

Conclusions: MSK pain strongly impacts Ligurian olive pickers, as three out of four experienced it during the last six months. Participants emphasised the need to be educated on working ergonomics and the perceived importance of physical activity for health.