Prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders in female cultivators of Ambala, Haryana: A cross-sectional Study

Background: Rural women are involved in agriculture work. The agricultural workers have to perform manual works and are susceptible to different occupational stresses. Because of heavy work, they suffer from work related musculoskeletal disorders. The studies on work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) in female cultivators are limited and to best of our knowledge no study has identified prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders in female cultivators of Ambala, Haryana, India. Objectives: The objective of present study was to find out the prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders in female cultivators of Ambala, Haryana. Methods: 200 female cultivators in age range of 20-50 years were recruited for this cross-sectional survey study. After initial screening and assessment demographic data was recorded. Quota sampling method was used. Results: Statistical analysis shows the musculoskeletal disorder more in low back pain (57.0%) followed by knee joint pain (30.5%), shoulder joint pain (16.5%), wrist/hand pain (9.5%), neck pain (9.0%), elbow joint pain (6.5%), ankle/foot pain (2.5%), thighs/pelvis pain (2.5%) and upper back pain (2.0%) in the female cultivators of Ambala, Haryana. Conclusion: Findings of present study show that prevalence of WRMSDs in female cultivators of Ambala, Haryana was high. Low back pain was the most prevalent disorder affecting the female cultivators followed by knee joint pain, shoulder joint pain. Poor posture and lack of ergonomic awareness are increasing the risk in development of work related musculoskeletal disorders in female cultivators of Ambala, Haryana