Ahmadi Omran ¹, Gholamnia Reza ², Alizadeh Seyed Shamsedin ³, Rasoulzadeh Yahya ³, Sheikh Damenab Pouria ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IR
2 Department of Health Sciences, School of Health, Safety and Environment, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR
3 Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The farming employs about half the world’s entire workforce. In most countries, farming is recognized
as one of the most hazardous industries. Farming activities lead to awkward physical postures. These postures are:
leaning, kneeling, crawling, bending, twisting to one side and repeated work that can result in physical stress and traumatic
injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the ergonomic conditions and musculoskeletal symptoms among farmers in Eastern
Azerbaijan, Iran. Methods/Statistical Analysis: This Descriptive-Analytical study was conducted on 130 farmers from different
regions of east Azerbaijan who were between 16 to 80 years old and harvesting traditionally (not industrial). Nordic
questionnaire (NMQ) was used for determining prevalence rate of musculoskeletal disorders. The postures and other ergonomic
status of farmers were evaluated via REBA method. Regression and chi-square statistics tests were used to statistical
data analysis. Findings: The obtained results indicated that the most reported musculoskeletal disorders in farmers are low
back, wrist and ankles pain with 81.5, 40, and 30percent, respectively. Based on REBA final scores, 19 percent of farmer’s
posture was at risk (4th risk level). The result also showedsignificant relationship between farmers Stature and low back
pain (p-value <0.001). As well asthe relationshipbetweendifferent phase of farmingand REBA final scorewas significant
(p-value <0.001). Application/Improvements: according to the results low back pain is the major problemamongfarmers
caused duringcollection of harvests from farm. Results show that the harvesting have importance role in prevalence of musculoskeletal
disorders in the different part of farmers body. Stature and age of farmers have considerable role in prevalence
of farmer’s musculoskeletal disorders. This study showed that the studied farmers work condition is unacceptable and
needs to be modified. Because, most of farming activities are done traditionally, Remedy actions to decline musculoskeletal
disorders based on priorities canbe listed as training of principles of ergonomics in farming activities, regular examination,
replacement of technical methods of farming (industrialized).

Keywords

Farmers, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Nordic, REBA

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