Prevalence, Pattern and Associated Factors of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders amongst Barbers in Nnewi, South-East Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) represent one of the commonest occupational health problems in low and middle-income countries. Objectives: This study was designed to ascertain the prevalence, pattern, and associated factors of WRMSDs among barbers in Nnewi, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey involved a total of consecutively recruited 122 barbers. Participants were assessed for musculoskeletal disorders using validated measures. We excluded apprentices and barbers who had other jobs. We summarized data using mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage. Putative risk factors of WRMSDs were identified using spearman correlation co-efficient. Results: The mean age of the participants (115 males and 7 females) was 25.7±5.3 years. Among the 122 barbers, the point-prevalence of WRMSDs was 92.62%. Low back pain ranked highest (67.21%), followed by knee pain (31.97%), right shoulder pain (31.2%), and neck pain (27.9%). A significant weak correlation was observed between WRMSDs and education (r= -0.171, p = 0.02). Also, WRMSDs correlated with number of working days (r = 0.213, p = 0.004) and working hours (r = 0.139, p = 0.046) per week. Conclusion: WRMSDs is prevalent among barbers in Nnewi, Nigeria. A low level of education, lack of a day off work, and prolonged working hours constitute putative risks for WRMSDs.