Demographic, ergonomic and psychosocial factors affecting work related musculoskeletal discomforts in tobacco processing

Work related musculoskeletal disorders have been associated with demographic factors, work stresses and psycho-social stress symptoms. The study aimed to evaluate factors associated with MSDs in different body regions among Indian tobacco processing workers. A group of 450 tobacco processing workers participated in the study. A questionnaire comprising of demographic factors, work related exposures, psycho-social stress and musculoskeletal discomforts was administered. Self-reported prevalence of MSDs, correlation statistics and risk estimates were calculated. Females reported a higher prevalence of discomfort in the upper back, lower back and knees. The ANOVA showed that female workers perceived the work environment and physical activity to be more strenuous compared to their male counterparts. Correlation analyses suggest the influence of different work related aspects on pain in different regions. Physically demanding task situations, high physical activity and poor task clarity were associated with MSDs in both female and male tobacco processing workers. In males, poor job feedback and badly illuminated workspaces, and in females highly specialized job and high skill levels required were associated with MSDs. Psychosocial stress symptoms of workers were found to be associated with pain in different body parts Strategies need to be formulated to improve adverse working conditions to reduce pain related problems and to improve performance in the tobacco processing work.