Speakers
Description
Musculoskeletal Disorders and their Associated Risk Factors among Artisans at Suame Magazine, Kumasi, Ghana
Lordina Abass Appiah1, Ebenezer Otu Ayeboafo Ansah2, Francis Junior Opoku1, Margaret Ama Odoom1, Emmanuella Darko3, Elizabeth Aseidua Amoanu1, Mabel Mawuenam Amemaxa1, Eric Adjei Boadu4, Philip Apraku Tawiah1, Barbara Gyapong-Korsah1, Samuel Nkansah Darko5, Daniel Boateng2, Kofi Sekyere Boateng1,6, Thomas Peprah Agyekum1*
1Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
2Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
3Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
4Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
5Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
6Department of Public Health Education, Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Asante Mampong, Ghana
Email Address
LAA – lordinaabassappiah@gmail.com
EOAA – ansahebenezer3@gmail.com
FJO – fj.opoku@gmail.com
MAO – margaretodoom7@gmail.com
ED – elladark19@gmail.com
EAA – asieduaelizabeth102@gmail.com
MMA – mabelamemaxa@gmail.com
EAB – ericusbua@yahoo.com
PAT – japrakutawiah24@gmail.com
BG-K – barbygk@yahoo.com
SND – s.darko28@gmail.com
DB – daniel.dboateng@gmail.com
KSB – kofisekyereboateng@gmail.com
TPA – thomaspagyekum@gmail.com/tp.agyekum@knust.edu.gh
Abstract
Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a significant occupational health concern, particularly among artisans working in informal industrial settings. These disorders can severely impact productivity, quality of life, and job performance. This study assessed the prevalence of MSDs and associated risk factors among artisans in the automotive and garage industry in Suame Magazine, Kumasi.
Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional study design and employed stratified random and systematic sampling techniques to select 423 artisans. The data were collected between June and August 2024 using structured questionnaires administered through the Kobo Collect platform. Binary logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders among artisans.
Results: The prevalence of MSDs among artisans was high (71.73%). The most affected body parts were the neck (33.77%), lower back (21.85%), and shoulders (20.20%). Significant risk factors for MSDs included working in awkward postures (AOR = 41.76, 95% CI = 2.17 – 80.92, P = 0.013) and performing repetitive tasks (AOR = 67.03, 95% CI = 23.67 – 80.84, P < 0.001). Musculoskeletal disorders led to reduced work hours (75.52%), absenteeism (12.03%), and decreased productivity (10.37%). Awareness of ergonomic interventions was low (13.77%), with lack of access and perceived necessity cited as major barriers to usage.
Conclusion: The study recommends workplace ergonomics training, improved occupational health policies, and preventive interventions to reduce MSDs and enhance artisans’ productivity.
Keywords: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), Artisans, Ergonomic Risk Factors, Productivity, Ghana