Background: The nature of the work of sewing machine operators predisposes them to a wide variety of symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders and obesity. However, there is a paucity of studies on the prevalence and associated factors for symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among this occupational group.
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of symptoms of WMSDs and their association with personal and occupational factors and body mass index (BMI) among sewing machine operators of Sindh province in Pakistan.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on male sewing machine operators in two major cities (i.e., Hyderabad and Nawabshah) of Sindh province in Pakistan. Obesity was determined through the BMI cutoff values for Asians. Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Numeric Rating Scale were used. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v20.
Results: Of the 200 participants, 91% participants had symptoms of WMSDs in the past 12 months. Most (41.5%) participants reported pain and discomfort during the last 12 months in the lower back region. Symptoms of WMSDs in the lower back region had a significant positive association with working days/week (r = .196 p = .005). Symptoms of WMSDs in the ankle/feet region had a significant positive association with age (r = .246 p = .001) and work experience (r = .276 p = .001).
Conclusions: Prevalence of symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders is high among sewing machine operators of Sindh province in Pakistan, with significant associations between personal and occupational factors.
Keywords: Garment workers; musculoskeletal problems; obesity; occupational health; pain.