Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Workers of a Portuguese Textile Industry: Association with Body Mass Index and Work Position

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among workers of a Portuguese textile industry, and to verify their association with body mass index (BMI) and work position. 53 workers from the manufacturing sector of a textile industry participated in the study. Sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics of the sample, as well as occupational variables, were assessed through a characterization questionnaire. The Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to assess worker’s musculoskeletal symptoms. Results revealed that 88.7% of the participants reported musculoskeletal symptoms in at least one body region in the previous year. The four areas with higher 12-month prevalence of symptoms were: the low back region (49.1%), followed by the neck (43.4%), the wrists/hands (39.6%) and the shoulders (37.7%). BMI seems not to be associated with a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (p > 0.05). However, a statistically significant association was found between the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the low back region and working in the seated position (p = 0.011). To conclude, there is a high prevalence of symptomatology in the textile industry workers. Preventive measures and worksite interventions are needed to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders in this population.