Prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) and occupational stress among rubber workers in Felda settlement

Abstract

A cross-sectional study among rubber workers was conducted to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and the prevalence of occupational stress (psychosocial factors). Stratified random sampling method was adopted and total of 453 rubber workers in each Felda’s scheme participated in this study. Data was collected through face to face interview using Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) and Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). The results revealed prevalence of WMSDs according to anatomical body region was the highest for neck pain (59.9%) followed by low back pain (56.3%) and shoulders pain (54.9%). Risk factors of occupational stress revealed that these workers had low level of social support (71.4%), psychological demand (65.6%), job dissatisfaction (64.2%), decision latitudes (56.3%), depression (53.7%) and job insecurity (52.5%). Passive job quadrant had the highest (36.5%) prevalence in occupational stress. The high prevalence of WMSDs and occupational stress is a significant problem among rubber workers. This finding showed that management should institute health promotion to curb this problem.