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WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH NUTRIENT INTAKE AND NATURE OF WORK AMONG FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY WORKERS
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Abstract: Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common occupational health problem among industrial workers, particularly in jobs involving repetitive movements and prolonged postures. Nutritional factors may also influence musculoskeletal health.
Objective: To assess the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and examine their association with nutrient intake and nature of work among footwear industry workers.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 122 workers aged 25–50 years in a small-scale footwear manufacturing unit in Ranipet, Tamil Nadu. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire incorporating the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Information on demographic profile, anthropometric measurements, dietary intake (24-hour recall), and physical activity was obtained. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Pearson Chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Musculoskeletal symptoms were prevalent among workers across various body regions. No significant association was found between nature of work and musculoskeletal symptoms (p > 0.05). However, significant associations were observed between protein intake (p < 0.001), calcium intake (p < 0.01), and magnesium intake (p < 0.05) with musculoskeletal symptoms. Nutrient intake analysis revealed considerable deficiencies in key nutrients among participants. Energy intake showed no significant association (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among footwear industry workers and emphasizes the role of nutritional factors, particularly protein, calcium, and magnesium, in musculoskeletal health. Improving dietary intake alongside occupational health strategies may help reduce the burden of musculoskeletal symptoms.
Keywords: Musculoskeletal symptoms, footwear industry, nutrient intake, occupational health
Objective: To assess the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and examine their association with nutrient intake and nature of work among footwear industry workers.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 122 workers aged 25–50 years in a small-scale footwear manufacturing unit in Ranipet, Tamil Nadu. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire incorporating the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Information on demographic profile, anthropometric measurements, dietary intake (24-hour recall), and physical activity was obtained. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Pearson Chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Musculoskeletal symptoms were prevalent among workers across various body regions. No significant association was found between nature of work and musculoskeletal symptoms (p > 0.05). However, significant associations were observed between protein intake (p < 0.001), calcium intake (p < 0.01), and magnesium intake (p < 0.05) with musculoskeletal symptoms. Nutrient intake analysis revealed considerable deficiencies in key nutrients among participants. Energy intake showed no significant association (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among footwear industry workers and emphasizes the role of nutritional factors, particularly protein, calcium, and magnesium, in musculoskeletal health. Improving dietary intake alongside occupational health strategies may help reduce the burden of musculoskeletal symptoms.
Keywords: Musculoskeletal symptoms, footwear industry, nutrient intake, occupational health
How to Cite:
[1] Shuruthika B and Premagowri B, “WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH NUTRIENT INTAKE AND NATURE OF WORK AMONG FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY WORKERS,” International Advanced Research Journal in Science, Engineering and Technology (IARJSET), DOI: 10.17148/IARJSET.2026.13479
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.