Journal of
the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NIGERIA SOCIETY OF PHYSIOTHERAPY
  • Abbreviation: J. Nig. Soc. Physiother.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 0331-3735
  • DOI: 10.5897/JNSP
  • Start Year: 2002
  • Published Articles: 62

Full Length Research Paper

Ergonomic evaluation and the predictors of occupation related musculoskeletal disorders among tailors in Enugu Metropolis

Echezona Nelson Dominic Ekechukwu
  • Echezona Nelson Dominic Ekechukwu
  • Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. 2Occupational and Environmental Health Unit, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. 3LANCET Physiotherapy, Wellness and Research Centre, Enugu, Nigeria.
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Nwanneka Cynthia Okolo
  • Nwanneka Cynthia Okolo
  • Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
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Blessing Chiagozikam Atueyi
  • Blessing Chiagozikam Atueyi
  • Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
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  •  Received: 07 July 2021
  •  Accepted: 22 September 2021
  •  Published: 30 September 2021

Abstract

Tailoring task is usually fostered with the adoption of constrained postures, repetitive movements, and prolonged static loading which have been identified as major ergonomic risk factors of occupation related musculoskeletal disorders (OMSD). This study was undertaken to ergonomically evaluate the work set up and determine the prevalence and predictors of OMSD among tailors in Enugu Metropolis. This exploratory cross-sectional study sampled 270 tailors in Enugu metropolis. The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to assess OMSD, while a self-structured proforma was used to obtain their demographic details, work related variables and the ergonomic assessment of their workstation. Data obtained was analyzed descriptively and inferentially using Chi-square and logistic regression. The level of significance set at 0.05. Majority of the participants were females (73.0%) and married (72.6%). Most of the participants used seats made of wood (58.1%) and plastic (39.6%) that were neither padded (61.1%) nor had back rest (67.8%). Most of the participants (83.3%) used manual sewing machines. The prevalence of OMSD in this population was 67.0% and was more common around the upper back (43.0%), low back (36.3%) and knees (23.3%). There was a significant association between OMSD and each of age (c2 = 16.98, p = 0.002), and fatigue (c2 = 6.198, p = 0.013). However, fatigue was the only significant predictor of OMSD (β = 0.858, p = 0.024). There is a high prevalence of OMSD among tailors in Enugu metropolis, associated with age and fatigue. Work should be terminated at the early onset of fatigue.

Key words: Ergonomics, predictors, occupation related musculoskeletal disorders (OMSD), tailors, Enugu metropolis.