Musculoskeletal disorders among rice farmers in Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and determine factors influencing MSDs among rice farmers. Design/methodology/approach - A cross-sectional study was carried out among 156 rice farmers from 14 villages in Tarnlalord sub-district, Phimai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, from February 2017 to March 2017. Face-to-face interviews, including demographics, work characteristics and musculoskeletal pain, were conducted using a modified standardized Nordic questionnaire. Findings - The results revealed that both 78 males and 78 females participated in the study to which the average of age and body mass index (BMI) was 45.5 +/- 11.4 years and 24.9 +/- 4.0 kg/m(2), respectively. All rice farmers reported MSDs in at least one body region during the six months preceding the interview. The highest prevalence of MSDs showed 86.5 percent in the lower back area, followed by 85.9 percent in the neck, and 80.7 percent in the shoulders. The analysis of binary logistic regression and Spearman's rank correlation showed that factors such as gender, age, BMI, work experience and farm size influence MSDs' occurrence, and pain severity in one or more body regions (p < 0.05). Originality/value - Musculoskeletal injuries are a significant health problem in rice farmers. The study indicated that appropriate agricultural practices such as working posture, equipment size selection and carrying loads should be recommended to prevent MSDs. Thus, the occupational health and safety services in agricultural workers are needed.