Affiliations: [a] Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| [b] Department of Physiotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| [c] Department of Physiotherapy, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
| [d] Department of Health Professions, Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Opeyemi A. Idowu, Ph.D., Department of Physiotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, P.M.B 1154, Benin City, Nigeria. E-mails: [email protected], [email protected].
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Typically, bricklayers in developing countries’ contexts manually lay bricks, concrete blocks and other similar materials to construct walls and buildings which make them susceptible to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). The burden of WRMSDs among this high-risk group seems has not been well documented. OBJECTIVES:This study examined the prevalence of WRMSDs among bricklayers in Nigeria. METHODS:A cross-sectional survey of 118 consenting bricklayers from a Nigerian setting was carried out. The standardized Nordic musculoskeletal disorder questionnaire and a proforma were used to profile the prevalence of WRMSDs and socio-demographic information of the respondents. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Alpha level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS:The 12-months and 7-days prevalence of WRMSDs were 87.3% and 67.4%. Shoulder (61.0%) and the low-back (59.3%) were the two most affected anatomical sites based on 12-month prevalence. WRMSDs affecting the knees (6.8%) was the most disabling in carrying normal work routines. Working for less than 10 years was significantly associated with high prevalence of WRMSDs in the shoulder (odd ratio (OR) = 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.09 to 0.87) and wrist region (OR = 0.24, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.73). Having neck pain led to higher odds (OR = 0.29, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.68) of taking a break from work among the bricklayers. CONCLUSIONS:WRMSDs were high among Nigerian bricklayers. Years of work experience was associated with high prevalence of WRMSDs in the shoulder and wrist. In addition, taking work breaks was associated with neck pain.
