INCIDENCE OF WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG FARMERS IN THE SAVANNAH REGION OF GHANA
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Abstract
Background:
Despite the significant impact of Ghana’s agricultural sector on economy growth, research on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among farmers remains limited, especially in the Northern regions. The present study explores the incidence of WRMSDs among farmers in the Savannah region of Ghana.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 farmers who practice both crop farming and animal husbandry. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was employed to determine musculoskeletal pain among the participants in the previous 12 months.
Results:
The participants were made up of 45.3% (n = 181) males and 54.8% (n = 219) females. The participants' age ranges from 18–65 years, with a mean age of 37.08 ± 14.4 years. Most participants (63%) had been farming for between 1–10 years. Those without formal education were 35%. Only 15.8% had a tertiary education. Most participants were married (61.8%), with single participants representing 30.5% of the total sample. Incidence of WRMSDs was 100% over 12 months. Low back pain was the most frequent (52.8%), followed by upper back (38.5%), and knee pain (36.3%). The significant risk factors for WRMSDs were age (p = 0.001), gender (p = 0.012), educational status (p = 0.036), prolonged bending (p = 0.002), standing (p = 0.008), and walking for extended distances (p = 0.015).
Conclusion:
The high rate of WRMSDs, especially low back pain among farmers, necessitates ergonomic interventions and occupational health education for farmers working in the Savannah Region. Targeted prevention programmes and occupational health policies should be developed for Ghana's farming communities to reduce the incidence of WRMSDs.
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