Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, Bangladesh Health
Professions Institute, Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed, Savar,
Dhaka, Bangladesh | CMAM for Ukhia, Action Against Hunger (ACF
International), Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh | Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, International
Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B), Dhaka,
Bangladesh
Note: [] Corresponding author: Shamima Akter, Lecturer, Department of Occupational
Therapy, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Centre for the Rehabilitation
of the Paralysed (CRP), Savar, Dhaka-1343, Bangladesh. Tel.: +880 01716806864;
E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is a scarcity of evidence regarding musculoskeletal symptoms prevalence among metal workers at different worksites in Bangladesh. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of
musculoskeletal symptoms and associated factors among metal workers in Dhaka,
Bangladesh. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was performed in 5 out
of 12 randomly selected metal tools manufacturing factories in Dhaka,
Bangladesh. A total of 60 eligible participants (45 male and 15 female) were
asked to complete the short Bengali version of the Dutch Musculoskeletal
Questionnaire. In addition, observations within the workplace were performed
using a predesigned checklist for identifying ergonomic risk factors. RESULTS: Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms during the last 12
months preceding data collection was reportedly 85%. Body regions reported
to be most affected were upper back and lower back, then
the wrist. Socio-demographic factors were not found to be significantly
associated with musculoskeletal symptoms. In contrast, awkward posture and
repetitive movement were significantly related to reports of musculoskeletal
symptoms for the last 12 months preceding data collection. CONCLUSION: Results conclude that there is a high reported prevalence of musculoskeletal
symptoms among metal workers, calling for an action on prevention and promotion
in the work environment.
Keywords: Occupational health and safety, socio-demographic and ergonomic risk factors
