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Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders impose a significant burden on the global
workforce and the problem is even worse in developing countries. Automobile repair and
maintenance workers are one of the high risk professionals. Globally, only a few published
studies have shown the prevalence and determinants of work-related musculoskeletal disorders
among automobile repair and maintenance workers. Related studies in Ethiopia are even fewer.
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of self-reported work-related
musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among automobile repair and maintenance
workers in Hawassa City, South Ethiopia, 2019.
Materials and Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from January
to February 2019 among 347 automobile repair and maintenance workers in Hawassa City. Data
was collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the Nordic musculoskeletal
questionnaire. Epi Info TM7 and SPSS TM20 software were used for data entry and analysis
respectively. Frequency tables, graphs and other descriptive summaries were used to describe the
study variables. Model fitness and co linearity tests were done. Bivariate and multivariate
logistic regression analyses were used to determine association between the predictors and
outcome variable.
Result: The twelve month prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among this
working group was 47.7% with 95% C.I: (42.7-53.2). longer service years of >16 years [AOR :
2.54, 95% C.I (1.06-6.06)], jobs that always require repetitive motions [AOR: 4.29, 95% C.I
(1.78-10.2)], not having professional mechanics training [AOR: 2.04, 95% C.I (1.09 -3.81)],
force exertion when using tools [AOR: 2.40, 95% CI ((1.24-4.62)], job stress [AOR:4.54, 95%
CI : (2.44-8.46)] and regularly lifting, pushing, pulling loads >20kg [AOR:4.85, 95% CI ((2.65-
8.87)], were predictors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Conclusion and Recommendations: A high (47.7%) prevalence of work-related
musculoskeletal disorders was found among auto-repair and maintenance workers. Therefore,
ergonomics awareness among workers should be increased through training and information
sharing. In addition, the existing laws, policies, regulations, directives and work place standards
with respect to occupational safety, health and work environment conditions should be
implemented and enforced at all levels to maintain the safety and health of the workers |
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