Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Male Construction Workers and Their Relationship With Quality of Life and Physical Activity Level: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) is very high among construction workers worldwide. It was aimed to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in male construction workers and their relationship with quality of life and physical activity level.

Methods: One hundred and seventy male construction workers had a mean age of 37.17 ± 14.23 years. The musculoskeletal symptoms in the last 12 months were assessed with The Extended Version of the Scandinavian Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ-E) and Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). Physical activity level was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ-sf) and quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-Bref).

Results: NMQ-E last 12-month prevalence rate of WMSDs was 26.5% (n = 45) neck, 37.9% (n = 64) shoulder, and 35.9% (n = 61). Quality of life assessed by WHOQOL-Bref has a significant negative weak correlation with WMSDs neck, shoulder, and low back (r = −0.154, p = 0.022; r = −0.159, p = 0.019; and r = −0.161, p = 0.018, respectively). Physical activity level assessed by IPAQ-sf has a significant negative weak relationship with WMSDs (r = −0.268, p < 0.001) neck, (r = −0.254, p < 0.001) shoulder, (r = −1.196, p = 0.005) upper back, (r = −0.128, p = 0.048) elbow, (r = −0.129, p = 0.046) wrist, and (r = −0.128, p = 0.048) knee.

Conclusion: Prevalence rates for different body regions were reported with the highest prevalence rates being WMSDs in the shoulder and low back region. Quality of life and physical activity level were negatively affected by WMSDs in construction workers. It was determined that there was a significant relationship between those with and without WMSDs in general according to body regions.