Musculoskeletal disorders among the handloom weavers in odisha, India: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Handloom weaving is a repetitive manual work activity. It requires physical motion patterns, rapid motions without rest breaks, and increased muscle tension, which can make the handloom weavers prone to developing musculoskeletal syndrome.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate the occupational health issues, especially musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), experienced by handloom weavers in the Indian state of Odisha. It also examined the socio-demographic factors significantly contributing to their musculoskeletal health issues.

Methods

For this purpose, a cross-sectional study was conducted by collecting primary data from 435 active handloom weavers in the Bargarh district of Odisha. The age range of the participants was 18–69 years and around 99 per cent of them were male. Marginal effects of the potential explanatory variables contributing to the musculoskeletal health issues of the handloom weavers were estimated with the help of binomial logistic regression analysis.

Results

The study revealed that around 80 % of the weavers suffered from work-related musculoskeletal health problems. It includes pain/discomfort in different body parts. The major socio-demographic factors significantly contributing to the musculoskeletal disorders among the weavers were age, marital status, interest in weaving work, and engagement in non-occupational activities.

Conclusion

The study identified occupational health problems particularly MSDs highly prevalent among handloom weavers and the factors contributing to MSDs. Policies such as regular health camps, health insurance, awareness of occupational health issues, preventive healthcare practices, and intermittent breaks are suggested to minimize the risk of work-related MSDs.