Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Rubber Tappers in Phatthalung Province, Thailand

Abstract

This cross-sectional study presents the prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) among rubber tappers in Pa Phayom District, Phatthalung Province, Thailand. The results were assessed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression at the 95% confidence interval, with consideration of variables influencing MSDs. The results showed that most participants (51.90%) were female, with a sample mean age of 43.95 ± 10.77 years, an average work experience of 13.68 ± 8.87 years, and a working time per day of 3.75 ± 1.52 hr. The physical work characteristics of the sample group revealed that the rubber plantations were on flat land (87.01%), more than 500 rubber trees were tapped per day (62.99%), the tapping height was below waist level (61.04%), and the rubber trees were older than 10 years (73.38%). The results for the severity of musculoskeletal disorders at the unbearable level showed that the lower back had the highest incidence (9.1%), followed by the upper back (2.6%). At the severe level, the lower back (26.6%) had the highest incidence, followed by the shoulder (7.8%) and the upper back (7.1%). When considering overall pain levels across different body parts, the hand/wrist was the most common (87.7%), followed by the neck (83.1%) and the lower back (82.5%). Factors associated with MSD symptoms among rubber farmers include the age of the trees and exercise. The reported acute MSD in their lower backs throughout the one-month study duration. Therefore, ergonomic knowledge should be promoted to help rubber farmers improve their working posture and reduce injuries.