A Cross-sectional Study On Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders In Coal Miners

ObjectiveThrough the investigation and analysis of musculoskeletal disorders in Chinese coal miners, the study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics and factors of musculoskeletal disorders. We implemented targeted interventions and explore effective interventions, providing scientific evidence for targeted strategies for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, to reducing the occurring of musculoskeletal disorders in the population and improving quality of life.Method1. The survey was carried out using Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), self-administered questionnaire derived from Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire(DMQ) and Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire(CoPSoQ), according to the unified approach . The data was analyzed using chi-square test, t test and multivariate analysis etc .2. According to the results of preliminary investigations we selected objects of interventions, and implement interventions and evaluated effect of intervention.Result1.Descriptive study of musculoskeletal disorders in coal miners1.1.Basic Situation: Totally 1900 miners were investigated in the study, and 1537 questionnaires were retuned , with a recovery rate of 80.1% ,comprising 1456 menand 81 women with a mean SD age of 39.4±16.4 years (ranging from 16-61years), a mean SD seniority of 16.3±10.7 years (ranging from 0.5-40years).1.2.Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in coal miners: The overall prevalence of any regional pain in the preceding 12 months was 78.4% ,which the prevalence of waist was highest(59.5%), followed by neck (48.0%), knee (43.3%), shoulder (37.7%), back (27.7%), wrist (23.8%), foot(23.7% ), elbow (20.5%, hips (17.9%). The prevalence in underground workers was higher than in the surface workers, significant difference in prevalence of shoulders, back and knee .1.3.The relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and personal characteristics : The dependent variable is the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the past year, using chi-square test and logistic regression analyses. The prevalence of neck and shoulder, upper extremity, back and lower extremity pain increased with increasing age, which the prevalence among different ages was significant difference. of particular note, the prevalence rates of neck, back in high-age(>40 years old) workers were two times more than low-age(<15 years old) workers. With the growth of length of service, prevalence rates in neck, hip and back pain increased. There was significant difference in education level between the groups.1.4.Occupational factors and musculoskeletal disorders in multivariate analysis: of occupational factors, high repetitiveness , arms at or above shoulder level, extreme twisting posture, awkward work posture were associated with neck and shoulder pain , upper extremity pain, back pain and lower extremity pain.1.5.Psychosocial factors on the role of musculoskeletal disorders: Analysis also showed that psychosocial factors were strongly associated with musculoskeletal disorders, including job demands,job control and job satisfaction.1.6 . In the final logistics regression model , high repetitiveness , high physical demand(>20kg) ,awkward work posture, high job demands were associated with musculoskeletal disorders.2.The assessment of intervention on musculoskeletal disorders among coalminers:2.1Awareness rate of musculoskeletal disorders: Awareness rate of musculoskeletal disorders before the intervention was significantly higher than post the intervention (33.8% vs 52.3%,p < 0.05).2.2The attitude on prevention of musculoskeletal disorders: The attitude for prevention of the disease has been improved.Conclusion1. Coal miners have heavy works and poor working conditions, the prevalence of .musculoskeletal disorders was high. Risk factors of .musculoskeletal disorders were multiple, therefore we should take apprpriate measures to prevent, to reduce the occur of musculoskeletal disorders in coal miners.2. The effect of intervention on musculoskeletal disorders is significant, for improving the level of knowledge of musculoskeletal disorders and changing the attitude and behavior on prevention of the disease. These interventions were cost-effective for coal miners.