A Study of Musculoskeletal Pain among Hotel Employees, India

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are leading cause of ill-health globally and workers are disproportionately affected due to repetitive tasks and postures. Little is known about these disorders among hotel employees in India. Objective: The study aims to find prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among workers in luxury hotels and identify their determinants. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed. The study sites included eight hotels across other four cities. A pre-designed, pilot tested semi-structured questionnaire was self-administered by study respondents. Main outcome variable was self-reported musculoskeletal pain/discomfort. Data on predictor variables including socio-demographic, physical and psychosocial environment was collected. Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain/discomfort was estimated. Chi-square test was used for bi-variate analysis. Binary multiple logistic regression method was used to identify factors associated with the outcome variable 'Any chronic musculoskeletal pain' and site-specific subtypes. Results: Out of 1183 respondents, 526 (45%) reported having musculoskeletal pain/discomfort which chiefly included backache 320 (27%), pain in legs 206 (17%), joint pain 157 (13%) and neck pain 88 (7%). 'Chronic musculoskeletal pain' was associated withfour variables; namely, years of service (OR = 1.018; 1.002–1.034), heavy stress of lifting objects (OR = 1.908; 1.289–2.825), psychological wellbeing (GHQ–12 item) (OR = 1.214; 1.135–1.299) and type of work (desk workers had lower odds (OR = 0.355; 0.178–0.709) than housekeepers). Conclusion: Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain/discomfort is high among hotel workers. Stress of lifting objects, psychosocial well-being, duration of service and type of work are key determinants.