Risk factors for the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among Chinese foundry workers

摘要

The goal of the study was to investigate risk factors for the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (ache, pain, or discomfort) among foundry workers in China using the standardized Nordic questionnaire. In addition, questions describing work history and ergonomic conditions at work were used in the investigation of 617 foundry workers. The study population consisted of 80.0% males and 20% females with a mean age (SD) of 34.4 (9.5) years and a median foundry work experience of 3 years (range of 1-30 years). Most subjects had an education of junior middle school with a mean (SD) of 6.8 (2.7) years of education. Among musculoskeletal symptoms, the one-year prevalence of low-back symptoms ranked first regardless of job title (25.0-32.4%). Risk factors for low-back symptoms lasting a week or more in the previous 12 months were found to be smoking, lifting and vibrating tool usage. The prevalence of low-back symptoms lasting a week or longer were highest in the workers with the job title molders (29.9%), followed by cleaners (26.2%).