Prevalence and Associated Factors of Musculoskeletal Conditions among Market Traders in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State

Background: Musculoskeletal conditions (MSCs) are an important cause of pain, disability and reduced productivity among informal-sector workers, particularly market traders exposed to prolonged standing, heavy lifting, repetitive movements, and inadequate rest breaks (da Costa & Vieira, 2010; Pega et al., 2021). This study determined the prevalence of MSCs and identified their sociodemographic and occupational determinants among traders in the Rumuokoro and Choba markets in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, and 300 traders were recruited aged 30 years and above with at least six months of trading experience through random sampling across the two markets. Data were collected using structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires that incorporated a modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and sections on sociodemographic characteristics and occupational exposures. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Version 25, with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression at a 5% significance level. Results: The prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions was 81.7% (n=245), with the lower back (68.6%), knees (52.2%) and shoulders (44.5%) being the most affected regions. Almost half (45.3%) experienced pain daily, and 82.0% reported that pain interfered with their work. Significant sociodemographic associations were observed for gender (females: 86.2% versus males: 73.1%, p=0.012), age (p=0.001), education (p=0.001), body mass index (p=0.002), and family size (p=0.004). Occupational factors independently associated with MSCs included standing for seven or more hours daily (AOR=3.67, p=0.001), regular lifting of loads weighing more than 20 kg (AOR=2.95, p=0.027); taking regular work breaks was associated with lower odds of MSCs (AOR=0.38, p=0.004). Conclusion: Musculoskeletal conditions represent a substantial occupational health burden among traders in Obio-Akpor LGA, affecting most of the traders surveyed. Occupational exposures, including prolonged standing, heavy lifting and the absence of work breaks, were associated with MSCs. These findings highlight the importance of preventive ergonomic improvements at market level and access to appropriate healthcare services.