Abstract:
This study is a cross-sectional descriptive study. The purposes of this study were to determine the prevalence rate and related factors of musculoskeletal disorders in waste collectors. Data were collected by using interview questionnaire of totally 205 waste collectors in Phitsanulok Province from June to September 2012. The subjects were asked to complete questionnaires concerning occupational factors, non-occupational factors, psychological factors and musculoskeletal disorders. The symptom survey was modified from Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Result showed that the prevalence rate of Musculoskeletal disorders was 89.3%. The proportions of the three body parts with the highest prevalence were lower back (63.4%), shoulder (47.3%), knee (45.4%) and the prevalence rate among females was higher than males.. Statistically significant factors related to MSD were sex, age, marital status, income, smoking and alcohol drinking. Types of job which were statistically significant related to MSD were lifting object weighing more than 25 and 34 kilograms, working with the hands above the head, squatting and working with the back bent forward more than 30° . Results indicated that the waste collectors had high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. These disorders were associated with work-related factors. Responsible agency should set up an effective guideline for prevention of these associated factors among waste collectors