Abstract
Purpose
The poultry slaughterhouse workers (PSW) are at substantial risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal pain (WMSP) at workplace due to their work. This study investigated the prevalence rate of WMSP and related disability among the PSW.
Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 78 PSW (40 women and 38 men) in the region of northern Thailand. The prevalence rate of WMSP was evaluated using the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (SNMQ). The disability related to the MSP was evaluated using a series of disability questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the WMSP. Data on the disability were summarized in frequency, mean (M), standard deviation (SD) and percentage.
Results
The prevalence rate of WMSP in the past 7 days were higher in the shoulder region (61.5%, N = 48) followed by wrists/hands (60.3%, N = 47), and lower back region (35.9%, N = 28). The WMSP over the past 12 months was also high at the shoulder (61.5%, N = 48), wrists/hands (60.3%, N = 47), and neck region (37.1%, N = 29), respectively. The overall disability related to WMSP among PSW was found to be mild to moderate across different body regions.
Conclusions
PSW had a high prevalence rate of WMSP in the shoulders, wrists/hands, lower back, and neck regions. However, the PSW with WMSP reported only mild to moderate disability in the work.
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Data availability
Data will be available upon request.
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Acknowledgements
The authors express sincere thanks to the PSW, the supervisors and the managers of the chicken meat factories for their support in the study. This study was supported by an internal university research grant by the Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences and the Graduate School, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
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This study was supported by an internal university research grant by the Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences and the Graduate School, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
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Hancharoenkul, B., Joseph, L., Khamwong, P. et al. An investigation of the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal pain and related disability among poultry slaughterhouse workers: a cross-sectional study. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 96, 463–472 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-022-01940-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-022-01940-x