Occupational lumbar back accidents in the private sector: prevalence and factors associated with their severity and sequelae in central Tunisia

In Tunisia, few studies have been focused on occupational lumbar back accidents. We conducted a descriptive retrospective study of private sector employees in central Tunisia who were victims of lumbar back accidents, reported during a 5-year period from 2010 to 2014, to determine the prevalence and factors associated with their severity and sequelae. Data were collected from the regional centre of the National Health Insurance Fund of Sousse. We identified 293 cases, a prevalence of 14.2% in relation to all occupational accidents reported during this period. More than two thirds of the injured [69.2%] were victims of serious occupational lumbar back accidents and 33.8% of victims reported serious sequelae. After adjustment by binary logistic regression, the occupational category persisted as an associated factor with the severity of occupational lumbar back accidents [P = 0.001, OR = 2.86 [1.50–5.47]]. Surgical treatment appeared as an associated factor of severity [P < 0.001, OR = 9.06 [3.09–26.56]] and prominent after effects resulting from these accidents [P < 0.001 OR = 54.72 [18.84–158.93]]. Occupational lumbar back accidents are a real health problem. Thus, a preventive strategy should be implemented to reduce their socio-economic consequences

[Prevalence and determinants of musculoskeletal disorders upper limbs in the Tunisian craftsmen]

Musculoskeletal disorders [MSDs] of the upper limbs are a major occupational health problem. We report the results of a cross-sectional survey of 334 craftsmen from the governorate of Monastir in Tunisia. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of MSDs among these workers and determine their risk factors. A pre-established questionnaire based on the Nordic MSD questionnaires, Karassik and the one developed by Malchaire in 2000 was used. In the 12 months prior to the survey, the prevalence of MSDs was 92.0%. The risk factors identified were related to individual characteristics, psychosocial factors and work organization. Appropriate preventive measures seem necessary in this sector