Ergonomic evaluation and the predictors of occupation related musculoskeletal disorders among tailors in Enugu Metropolis

Tailoring task is usually fostered with the adoption of constrained postures, repetitive movements, and prolonged static loading which have been identified as major ergonomic risk factors of occupation related musculoskeletal disorders (OMSD). This study was undertaken to ergonomically evaluate the work set up and determine the prevalence and predictors of OMSD among tailors in Enugu Metropolis. This exploratory cross-sectional study sampled 270 tailors in Enugu metropolis. The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to assess OMSD, while a self-structured proforma was used to obtain their demographic details, work related variables and the ergonomic assessment of their workstation. Data obtained was analyzed descriptively and inferentially using Chi-square and logistic regression. The level of significance set at 0.05. Majority of the participants were females (73.0%) and married (72.6%). Most of the participants used seats made of wood (58.1%) and plastic (39.6%) that were neither padded (61.1%) nor had back rest (67.8%). Most of the participants (83.3%) used manual sewing machines. The prevalence of OMSD in this population was 67.0% and was more common around the upper back (43.0%), low back (36.3%) and knees (23.3%). There was a significant association between OMSD and each of age (c2 = 16.98, p = 0.002), and fatigue (c2 = 6.198, p = 0.013). However, fatigue was the only significant predictor of OMSD (β = 0.858, p = 0.024). There is a high prevalence of OMSD among tailors in Enugu metropolis, associated with age and fatigue. Work should be terminated at the early onset of fatigue.