ABSTRACT
Background China's automobile manufacture is a labor-intensive industry, and most of the welding tasks are manual operations. It is often necessary to observe the solder joints during operation, and there are many adverse health outcome-related factors involved in the work process. However, the research on the prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in the upper back of welders is still insufficient. Objective To explore the prevalence and risk factors of WMSDs in the upper back of welders from an automobile factory. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. A cluster random sampling method was used to select 972 electric welders from an automobile factory as the study subjects. The Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire was used to estimate the prevalence of WMSDs in the upper back in the past year. Results The prevalence rate of WMSDs in the upper back in the welders was 42.2% (410/972). The positive rates of studied occupational risk factors were 72.5% (705/972) for maintaining same posture for a long time, 71.8% (698/972) for bending and twisting for a long time, and 64.7% (629/972) for repetitive trunk movements. The univariate analysis showed that the prevalence rates of WMSDs were significantly different among workers categorized by gender, working age, twisting and/or bending for a long time, working in the same position for a long time, lifting heavy objects in an uncomfortable position, repetitive trunk movements, being unable to exert energy due to discomfort, work involving cold or temperature changes, personnel shortage, no rest between work, working hours per week, and working in an uncomfortable position (P<0.05). The results of multiple logistic regression indicated that female, working in the same position for a long time, working in an uncomfortable position (frequently), lifting heavy objects in an uncomfortable position, and being unable to exert energy due to discomfort were associated with higher risks of reporting WMSDs in the upper back (OR=2.37, 1.46, 1.76, 1.44, and 1.50, respectively, P<0.05); the risk of reporting WMSDs in the upper back increased by 95%, 157%, and 196% for every 10 h increase in weekly working hours (41-50 h, 51-60 h, ≥61 h vs ≤40 h); adequate rest time was associated with a lower risk for WMSDs in the upper back (OR=0.70, 95%CI: 0.49-0.98). Conclusion The prevalence rate of WMSDs in the upper back of welders in the automobile factory is high, and many occupational risk factors are involved. Measures should be taken for intervention and prevention.
ABSTRACT
Background:Back pain is a very common public health problem in the manufacturing industry and a major cause of disability that affects work performance and wellbeing. Currently, manufacturing sectors in Ethiopia, including automotive manufacturing is growing well but there is poor culture of work place safety. The aim of this study wasto assess the prevalence of back pain and disability status at Bishoftu automotive industry workers.Methods:A cross sectional study was conducted among 412 workers in a period of February to May 2018. Simple random sampling technique was applied to select participants. Data was collected by face-to-face interview using standard Nordic and Oswestry back pain disability index tools. Analysis was done by using SPSS version 24. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine associations.Results:Prevalence of work related back pain among automotive production factory workers during last 12 months and last seven days were 51.7% and 25% respectively and related disability was 87%. The risk factors of the work related back pain that were identified include; work experience (11-15 years) AOR: 0.02, 95% CI (0.001-0.46), tasks that involve bending and twisting AOR: 2.03, 95% CI (1.19-3.45) and lifting of heavy loads AOR: 4.89, 95% CI (2.83-8.47).Conclusions:High prevalence of back pain among automotive industry workers was seen. Furthermore, this study verified workers with back pain and more specifically those working in tasks that involve with the identified associated risk factors were suffer from disability. The problem should need more attention to promote the health and safety of workers
ABSTRACT
Folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma (FCH) is a recently recognized adnexal tumor and is composed of follicular, sebaceous and mesenchymal elements such as small vessels, adipocytes and neural component in the fibrous stroma. It usually presents as an exophytic papule or nodule on the central part of the face. We describe a 39-year-old woman with FCH on the right upper back, which is an unusual site. A biopsy specimen demonstrated a follicular structure in infundibuiar nature, sebaceous lobules attached to it, and compactly laminated fibrous stroma with an increased number of vessels in it. Immunohistochemically, many of the vessels in the stroma showed positive reaction for CD34, and Factor VIII.