Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among workers of buffalo slaughterhouses in Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Slaughterhouse workers experience many health risks. Workers have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) including the most common discomfort located in the upper body parts. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MSD and to identify the MSD in relation to age, and work experience amongst workers of a buffalo slaughterhouse in Kathmandu.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in ward number 19 of Kathmandu Municipality from September to October 2023 using a Nordic questionnaire among the workers of twelve buffalo slaughterhouses and included 96 workers by census method.

Results: The prevalence of MSD amongst workers of buffalo slaughterhouses was 30.2%. Most common musculoskeletal disorders in workers were in the lower back (14.6%), followed by the shoulder (13.5%), and neck (11.5%). Age group and work experience were strongly associated with musculoskeletal disorder and pain in the lower back, shoulder, neck, hands/wrists, and ankles/feet.

Conclusion: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders is very common among buffalo slaughterhouse workers. These workers were more susceptible to MSD, so we need to propose appropriate preventative strategies to control and reduce the occurrence of these disorders in workers of the buffalo slaughterhouse.