Prevalence, patterns, and coping strategies of musculoskeletal disorders among caterers in the selected local government areas of Lagos State in Nigeria, 2017

Background: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, patterns, and coping strategies of caterers and identify parts of the body most frequently affected by musculoskeletal disorders. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out involving 225 caterers (174 females and 51 males) from the selected local government areas of Lagos state in Nigeria during May and September 2017. The data were collected using a 58-item questionnaire which assessed the participants’ personal characteristics, report of musculoskeletal disorders, and coping strategies used by them. The collected data were analysed using SPSS (version 22) through descriptive statistics including mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage, and also inferential statistics including the chi-square test. Results: The 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders reported by the caterers was 203 (90%). The low back 154 (68.40%) was the body part most frequently affected followed by knees 117 (52%), shoulders 115 (51.10%), the neck 83 (36.90%), wrists/hands 74 (32.90%), ankles/feet 56 (24.90%), hips/thighs 36 (16.00%), the upper back 30 (13.30%), and elbow 23 (10.20%). The coping strategies used commonly by the respondents were faith and prayer, self-instruction, hoping, and cognitive distraction. The result revealed a significant correlation (p = 0.01) between years of working experience and the 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among the participants. Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among caterers and the low back was the most affected part of the body, followed by knees, shoulders, the neck, and wrists/hands. The coping strategies most frequently used by the participating caterers were praying and self-instruction.