Musculoskeletal disorders in banana culture workers

Abstract

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Work-related repetitive strain injury/musculoskeletal disorders affect numerous rural workers causing functional physical impairment. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in banana culture workers. METHODS: From a list of banana culture workers linked to the Family Strategy, a questionnaire was applied to obtain socio-demographic data, rural property, health and labor, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Data were statistically analyzed using the statistical software R Development Core Team®. RESULTS: Thirty-six workers from ten rural properties participated in the study. The majority were male (94.4%), age group from 20 to 49 years (75.0%), most of them with incomplete primary education (50.0%). Regarding musculoskeletal disorders, the main regions affected were lumbar (63.9%), shoulders (47.2%) and knees (44.4%), with more than one region affected per worker. Regarding the work, tasks were described as painful and tiring including cutting, loading, fertilization, costal pulverization of pesticide, plowing and thinning. CONCLUSION: There are risks of musculoskeletal disorders among banana workers with risks of leave of absence due to illness, which may lead to losses in daily activities. There is a need to deepen the theme to promote health at work.