Access to health services and factors affecting musculoskeletal disorders among outdoor pollution workers following Sustainable Development Goals: a weakness in Thailand

Background

People working outdoors in the Map Ta Phut pollution control area of Thailand require comprehensive health monitoring. In the past, studies have been done on the health effects of pollutants. However, there are few studies on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and Thailand is struggling to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.

Methods

This cross-sectional study examines access to health services and factors affecting MSDs among outdoor pollution workers (OPWs). The sample group includes OPWs, including local fisherman, street vendors, public car drivers, and traffic police. We studied 50 people from each of these groups, for a total of 200 people. Data were analyzed with inferential statistics using Chi-square test, McNemar test, and Univariate logistic regression.

Results

The OPWs reported experiencing significantly more total MSDs pain than they did in the past (P < 0.05). Factors affecting current MSDs pain, including occupation and working days per week, were significant (P < 0.05). The street vendor group and public car driver group had (odds ratio [OR] = 2.253, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.101 to 5.019) and (OR = 2.681, 95 % CI: 1.191 to 6.032) times higher risks of MSDs pain, respectively. OPWs who work > 5 days per week had a (OR = 1.464, 95 % CI: 1.093 to 2.704) times higher risk of MSDs pain. 52.7 % of OPWs with MSDs, pain (n = 110) had received an annual health check-up. In the past year, 50.9 % had minor illnesses and 21.8 % had severe illnesses. OPWs receiving free treatment and visiting health service stations for no cost comprised 77.3 % and 51.8 %, respectively. 60.9 % used their right to receive treatment with universal health insurance cards.

Conclusions

The study indicates that occupational groups with MSDs pain problems should exercise this right, according to the worker protection law. Local health agencies should organize activities or create accessible media to promote preventive medicine services, as many OPWs believe that health services can only be accessed when illness occurs.