International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS)
Vol 14, No 2: June 2025

Risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among informal garment workers in Thailand

Chuppawa, Wipa (Unknown)
Thongkum, Wisit (Unknown)
Yoosuk, Wittaya (Unknown)
Tudpor, Kukiat (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Jun 2025

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs), characterized by abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system, pose a significant health concern with increasing trends in illness and injuries. Informal workers are not covered by the social security scheme of insurance, preventing them from immediate healthcare services. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and environmental risk factors influencing WRMDs among non-agricultural informal garment workers in Kalasin, totaling 296 individuals. Data were collected using the standardized Nordic questionnaire, descriptive statistics, and binary logistic regression. Results revealed 79.7% and 82.8% prevalence for WRMD symptoms in the past seven days and 12 months, respectively. The statistical analysis showed that improper workstations were the most influential (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=6.257, p=0.002, 95% confidence of interval (CI) [1.921, 20.388], followed by work-related stress (WRS) (adjusted OR=4.248, P=0.007, 95% CI [1.475, 12.231]. Moreover, inadequate lighting (adjusted OR=3.693, P<0.001, 95% CI [1.819, 7.497] and prolonged repetitive tasks lasting 3 5 minutes (adjusted OR=2.686, p=0.023, 95% CI [1.143, 6.309] were also contributing factors to the WRMDs symptoms. In conclusion, the prevalence of WRMDs among informal garment workers in Kalasin was high, mainly due to improper workstations and WRS.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJPHS

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions

Description

International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS) is an interdisciplinary journal that publishes material on all aspects of public health science. This IJPHS provides the ideal platform for the discussion of more sophisticated public health research and practice for authors and readers world ...