<![CDATA[Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a major occupational health concern among informal workers, particularly traditional Nypa palm handicraft workers who are frequently exposed to repetitive movements and prolonged non-ergonomic working postures. This study aimed to investigate the association between ergonomic and workplace environmental factors and MSDs severity levels among Nypa handicraft workers in traditional home-based industries. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 Nypa handicraft workers in Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia. MSDs severity was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ)/Nordic Body Map (NBM), while work-related factors included working posture, repetitive hand movements, daily working hours, employment duration, and workload. Workplace environmental conditions, including temperature, relative humidity, and illumination, were measured using a thermohygrometer and lux meter. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression.The results showed that 65.3% of workers experienced mild MSDs and 34.7% experienced moderate MSDs, with the lower back, shoulders, neck, and wrists being the most frequently affected body regions. Bivariate analysis indicated that high-risk working posture was significantly associated with higher MSDs severity levels (OR=2.642; 95% CI: 1.260–5.539; p=0.009). Furthermore, abnormal BMI was associated with MSDs severity levels (p=0.016). The findings indicate that non-ergonomic working posture was an important occupational factor associated with MSDs severity among traditional Nypa handicraft workers. Ergonomic interventions, including improved working posture, workstation redesign, adequate rest periods, and workplace environmental management, are recommended to reduce MSDs risk and promote safer working conditions in traditional home-based industries.]]>
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