Biomechanical and socio-demographic determinants of musculoskeletal disorders in the Agri-food industry: A cross-sectional study and modelling approach

Background Musculoskeletal disorders MSDs, a major concern in occupational health, are frequent among workers in manufacturing companies. While their origins are multifactorial, professional constraints play a preponderant role in their occurrence. Identifying risk factors is essential for developing preventive actions. Objectives To investigate MSDs in a pastry company and determine their occupational and non-occupational risk factors. Methods We conducted an exhaustive cross-sectional study among workers in a pastry company located in the city of Sfax (Tunisia). Data was collected by a socio-demographic/professional questionnaire. The screening of MSDs was carried out by the Nordic questionnaire. Risk factors were determined by bivariate analysis, and the multivariate explanatory model by logistic regression using R software. Results Our population consisted of 221 employees; the majority were women (90.5%) with a mean age of 34.2 ± 8.5 years. The subjects had mean work-seniority of 10.24 ± 6.9 years. Various occupational constraints were reported: an incorrect spinal posture (94.1%), repetitive movements (69.7%) and prolonged sitting posture (51.1%). MSDs were found in 47.5%, preferentially located in the neck, shoulder and lumbar spine. Bivariate analysis revealed significant association between the presence of MSDs in the last 12 months and advanced age, female gender and work-seniority. In addition, MSDs were associated with working in seated prolonged posture (OR = 2.5[1.5–4.3]). In multivariate analysis, the presence of MSDs was significantly associated with age, work-seniority and prolonged sitting posture. Conclusion The prevalence of MSDs was high among the workers in the pastry company. Recognizing individual and occupational risk factors will help to establish appropriate preventive measures.