Predictors of occupational exposure to neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders among sewing machine operators of garment industries in Ethiopia

Background: Occupational health problems related to upper limp musculoskeletal disorders were the major issue among sewing machine operators of garment industries in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of work related neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders among sewing machine operators of garment industries in Galan City, Oromia Regional State. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1 to 30, 2013. A total of 422 study subjects were included in this study. Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to collect detailed information on musculoskeletal symptoms, socio demographic data, and factors associated with the problems through face to face interview. Results: From a total of 422 sewing machine operators included in the study 370 (87.7%) were females and 306 (72.5%) were in the age group of < 30 years. The prevalence of self-reported work related neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders was 51.7% and 45%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, those who had >16 years of service were about four times more likely to develop neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders than those who had short (1–5 years) year of services [AOR = 3.55, 95% CI: 1.24–10.16], medical history of systemic illness [AOR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.02–4.08], and methods of payment [AOR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.27–3.29], factors significantly associated with this disorders. Conclusion: Work related neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders were high among sewing machine operators in selected garment industries. Moreover, personal and environmental factors were identified as the potential risk factors related to neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders among the study group. Therefore, government and the owner of the garment industries should give special attention to prevent and control the problems through proper occupational health and safety policy implementation in the country.