Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Garment Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders is particularly high among garment workers, which poses a serious occupational health hazard. This issue is not taken seriously as an important issue in low-income countries like Bangladesh. Aim: Determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions (MSDs) among garment workers in nine body regions and explore the relationship between MSDs and the general characteristics of the participants. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study including 383 garment workers was done. A structured questionnaire (Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal) was used. Results: The most common form of pain in the last year was lower back pain. Nine anatomical locations were studied, and workers most commonly experienced problems with their lower back (45.4%), upper back (36.6%), and knees (33.2%). Workers reported having more trouble in the knee (31.9%), upper back (35.0%), and lower back (43.9%) regions over the past seven days. In the past year and the last seven days, shoulder injuries were the least common. Conclusion: MSDs are widespread among garment industry employees. The back condition is the most commonly affected. The development of MSD is directly correlated with age and work experience.