Musculoskeletal symptoms among automobile assembly line workers

Concerns were raised about the possibility of a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among automobile assembly line workers. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among this group. A cross-sectional study of 346 automobile assembly workers and office workers were carried out using a modified version of the Nordic questionnaire. Prevalence was determined by the percent of positive responses to musculoskeletal symptoms lower back tom questions. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were the measures of association between prevalent musculoskeletal symptoms and demographic and were determined by logistic regression. The commonest musculoskeletal symptoms were from the feet (50.0%), low back (47.4%) and wrist/hand (30.1%), which was also the most common reason for missing work (19.4, 17.9 and 8.2%, respectively). Education status in the workers was significantly associated with MSD symptoms. Musculoskeletal symptoms are a significant problem among young automobile assembly line workers at the beginning of their careers. The work-related portion of the injuries and resulting disability is potentially preventable and it is important to identify interventions for reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information.