Epidemiological study of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and related risk factors for the footwear industry in China

Abstract

Abstract Object: To explore the prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among footwear industry workers in China, thereby providing a scientific basis for implementing health interventions. Methods Following a cross-sectional epidemiological survey method, modified Chinese version of the WMSDs Questionnaire was adopted to investigate the prevalence of WMSDs and related risk factors such as ergonomic load and psychosocial factors, among all workers in 26 footwear factories across China from 2018 to 2020. The data were statistically analyzed with chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 7106 valid questionnaires were collected. The prevalence of WMSDs among footwear workers was 36.8%, and the symptoms mostly occurred in the neck (23.9%), shoulders (19.3%), and hands (14.9%). The Chi-square test revealed 26 factors that significantly differed from the prevalence of WMSDs (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that gender (OR = 1.348, 95%CI:1.122–1.621, P < 0.01), marital status (OR = 1.822, 95%CI:1.320–2.515, P < 0.01), physical conditions (OR = 1.423, 95%CI:1.302–1.555, P < 0.01), working in an uncomfortable position (OR = 1.371, 95%CI:1.261–1.491, P < 0.01), cold or temperature variations at work (OR = 1.350, 95%CI:1.184–1.540, P < 0.01), working outdoors (OR = 1.324, 95%CI: 1.017–1.724, P < 0.05), and multiple repetitive operations per minute (OR = 1.207, 95%CI:1.150–1.268, P < 0.01) were key risk factors in the prevalence of WMSDs. By contrast, monthly income (OR = 0.728, 95% CI:0.667–0.794, p < 0.01) was a protective factor for WMSDs. Conclusion WMSDs show high prevalence among footwear industry worker and are associated with gender, marital status, uncomfortable position, variable temperatures, working outdoors, and multiple repetitive operations. Preventive measures on the basis of these risk factors should be implemented to reduce the adverse effects on the health of footwear industry workers.