Abstract:
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HAVS and the associated factors among carpenters in Phrae Province, Thailand. This cross-sectional study consisted of 236 carpenters employed in wood processing plants. The data were collected by using a questionnaire and monofilament testing, and analyzed by using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. The results showed overall prevalence of HAVs was 74.2%. The prevalence of musculoskeletal, vascular, and neurological disorders was 60.6%, 36.4%, and 16.7%, respectively. Factors associated with HAVs were the pushing hand posture, gender, age, current smoking, continuously working more than 20 minutes, and length of exposure time (year). Researcher suggests that anti-vibration gloves should be provided. The avoidance of pushing hand posture. More frequent break time and job rotation should also be applied. Moreover, a health promotion program, especially smoking cessation program, should be launched.