Association between working condition and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) among female garmentworkers in Khan Mean Chey, Phnom Penh City, Cambodia

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a serious public health issue in both industrialized and developing countries. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and the association between working conditions and MSDs among female garment workers in Khan Mean Chey, Phnom Penh city, Cambodia. A cross-sectional research design was conducted among 423 female garment workers. Data collection was convenient sampling through face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire consisted of socio demographics, working conditions, and the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire for musculoskeletal symptoms assessment during the period between April and May 2022. Descriptive statistics was used to present the prevalence of MSDs. Chi-square and fisher exact test were used to examine the association between working conditions and MSDs. Variables with a p-value<0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Participants’ median (±SD) age was 33 (±8.12) years. Most of them graduated primary school was 51.8% with normal BMI (68.3%). The findings revealed that the most frequently affected regions were reported in the shoulder, followed by neck, and lower back, respectively. Among 70.7% of female garment workers with MSDs reported at least one musculoskeletal symptom during the previous 7 days and 12 months. In the previous 7 days, there were significant association between MSDs and exercise (p=0.044), medical condition (p=0.001), head position during working (p=0.011), temperature (p=0.035), and work’s heavy (p=0.014). In the previous 12 months, there were significant association between MSDs and age (p=0.017), alcohol drinking (p=0.016), chair without backrest (p=0.042), temperature (p=0.019), noise (p=0.003), not getting enough rest (p=0.046), and get pressure from manager (p=0.004). MSDs was commonly reported in shoulder, neck, and lower back, and was statistically significantly associated with working conditions. Ergonomic interventions are needed to improve workstation design, appropriate working posture, workplace behavior, work stress, work-rest cycle, and work environment among female workers in the garment industry.