MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AND ERGONOMIC RISK FACTORS AMONG CHILI FARMERS: A CASE STUDY IN CHIANG KHRUEA SUB DISTRICT, MAUNG DISTRICT, SAKON NAKHON PROVINCE

Abstract

            Chili farmer are at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study is a cross-sectional study aimed to examine the prevalence of MSDs and ergonomic risk factors contributing to these disorders among chili farmers in the upper northeastern region of Thailand. The study population consisted of 116 chili farmers form Chiang Khruea Subdistrict, Mueang District, Sakon Nakhon Province. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, a musculoskeletal symptom questionnaire adapted from the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ), and an ergonomic risk exposure assessment questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis and multiple logistic regression. The study reported that participants were predominantly male (51.7%) with a mean age of 49.71 ± 10.25 years and an average Body mass index of 23.28 ± 3.05 kg/m². Most had no chronic illnesses (82.8%). The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the past 7 days and 12 months were 58.6 % and 75.0%, respectively. In the past 7 days, the highest prevalence was the lower back (30.2%), followed by shoulders (29.3%) and the knee (26.7%), respectively. Over the past 12 months, the highest prevalence was the shoulders (41.4%), followed by knee (40.5%) and the lower back (37.9%). Significant ergonomic risk factors associated with MSDs (P-value < 0.05) over the past 12 months included lifting objects away from the body (OR_adj = 8.72, 95% CI = 1.07–70.68) and lifting above shoulder or below knee height (OR_adj = 6.11, 95% CI = 1.44–25.88). This study revealed a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among chili farmers. Therefore, ergonomics risk assessment, health promotion activities, and preventive measures should be implemented to reduce the severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.