Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among cashiers in small-scale businesses: a cross-sectional study in Ethiopia

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders among cashiers in small-scale businesses in Northwestern Ethiopia. DesignA multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2022. The data were collected using a validated and standardised Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The collected data were entered into EpiData V.4.6 and analysed using Stata V.14. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to ascertain the significance of associations at p<0.05 and the adjusted OR (AOR) with a 95% CI. SettingThe study was conducted in small-scale businesses in the North Gondar Zone. ParticipantsA total of 618 cashiers participated in this study. Outcome measuresThe primary outcome of the study is the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, which was measured using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. ResultsThe response rate was 97.5% (N=618). The majority (373; 60.4%) of the study participants were female. The mean (& PLUSMN;SD) age of the participants was 30 (& PLUSMN;8.3) years. The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders during the last 12 months was found to be 75.4% (n=466) (95% CI 71.8%, 78.8%). Marital status (married) (AOR=2.12; 95% CI 1.26, 3.56), lack of physical exercise (AOR=2.07; 95% CI 1.32, 3.23), alcohol consumption (AOR=3.55; 95% CI 2.18, 5.78) and awkward work posture (AOR=2.40; 95% CI 1.43, 4.0) were significant factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders among sampled cashiers. ConclusionThis study concluded that the overall prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was high among cashiers in small-scale businesses. Being married, a lack of physical exercise, alcohol consumption and awkward work posture were significant factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. To reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders, it is recommended taking part in physical activity, avoiding alcohol consumption and avoiding awkward work posture.

Automated summary

This study explored the prevalence and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders among cashiers in small-scale businesses in Northwestern Ethiopia. The results revealed that marital status, lack of physical exercise, alcohol consumption, and awkward work posture were significant factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders among cashiers.