ABSTRACT
Context: Corrugated box factory workers routinely perform various tasks at their workplace which may impact their musculoskeletal system and quality of life (QoL). Aim: The aim of this study was to assess work-related musculoskeletal disorders and health related QoL in corrugated box factory workers of an urban city in India. Study Setting: Corrugated box factory. Study Design: Cross-sectional. Methods and Materials: The study encompassed 60 participants fulfilling laid down inclusion criteria. Assessment of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) was done by using the Hindi version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using World Health Organization Quality of Life brief questionnaire. Statistical Analysis: This was done using descriptive statistics. Mean, standard deviations, and percentages were calculated using Microsoft Excel, and the data were presented in tabular and graphical format. Results: In total, 98.33% workers reported of having work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The area-wise affection showed the highest incidence of musculoskeletal disorders in shoulder and lower back, i.e. 52.54% each followed by knee (41.23%) thereafter the other joints. Conclusions: This study concludes that WRMSDs are significantly prevalent among corrugated box factory workers in urban India along with manifestations of lower HRQoL.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The present study was aimed to investigate the lung functions and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of garbage collection workers of the urban cities in India. STUDY SETTING: Urban city in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional study encompassed 110 participants, 55 garbage collection workers in a garbage depot in the urban city of India and 55 age-matched control group volunteering to participate in the study. Assessment of the lung function was done by using computerized spirometry and HRQoL with the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Various statistical measures such as mean, standard deviations (SD), test of significance were utilized to analyze the data. Parametric data were analyzed by unpaired t-test and nonparametric data by Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was seen in the lung functions and quality of life in garbage collection workers except for the psychological component of WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that there is a greater impairment in the lung functions of garbage collection workers as compared to that of normal individuals. Moreover, the quality of life is lower in garbage workers than that of normal individuals considering the physical, social, and environmental aspects.
