Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Workers at Gold Mine Industry in Ghana: Prevalence and Patterns of Occurrence
Journal Title: Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research - Year 2015, Vol 9, Issue 8
Abstract
Background: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) constitutes major constraint to optimal performance among workers. However, information about its prevalence and pattern of occurrence among Ghanaians working in gold mine industries remain insufficient. Objective: To determine the prevalence of WRMSDs among workers of AngloGold Ashanti (AGA)-Obuasi mine. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 28-point self-administered questionnaire modified from the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Quota sampling was applied using ratios according to the number of workers in each department. Data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics at alpha level of .05. Results: Two hundred and five (205) workers participated in the cross-sectional survey. 12-month prevalence of WRMSD was 85.5% and low-back had the highest percentage 178 (30.0%) as regards the affected body segments. Fifty seven (30.7%) reported that pain or discomfort had prevented them from working optimally and 28 (13.7%) of the respondents have had to change the area or specialty of their work as a result of WRMSDs. Seventy six (23.1%) and 51 (24.9%) of the respondents indicated accidental falls from a height and working in the same position for long periods as moderate and severe risk factors respectively. Nature of work engagement was significantly associated (χ2 =27.73 P<.001) with the incidence of WRMSDs. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of WRMSDs among workers in AGA-Obuasi mine industry. Occurrence of the disorders was observed to be closely linked with the nature of service rendered by the workers. This outcome should therefore inform the preventive strategies required to curtail its occurrence.
Authors and Affiliations
Andrews Kwabena Tawiah, Bertha Oppong-Yeboah, Ajediran Idowu Bello
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP347272
- DOI 10.9734/BJMMR/2015/18747
- Views 76
- Downloads 0
Hand Injuries in a Suburban Hospital Bayelsa State Nigeria
Aims: To determine the etiology and pattern of presentation of patient with hand injury in a semi-urban center in Bayelsa State Nigeria. Study Design: This is a retrospective study in which all the case notes of patients...
Pattern of Serum Testosterone and Glycated Haemoglobin among Adult Males with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Erectile Dysfunction Attending a Tertiary Hospital in South Eastern Nigeria
Background: The global prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is steadily increasing. Diabetes mellitus is associated with acute and chronic complications including erectile dysfunction (ED). Erectile dysfunction is common...
Epidemiology of Cardiac Arrests in Airports: Four Years Results of the French National Cardiac Arrest Registry
Aims: To describe and analyse cardiac arrests occurring in airports, all chain of survival steps and their survival including a neurological outcome assessment at day 30 and to compare these results between airports staf...
Phantom Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in an End Stage Renal Disease Case
Aims: Gestation is very difficult in women with end stage renal disease (ESRD). In addition, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) may be increased in Non-pregnant women with ESRD. Therefore, elevated HCG levels in ESRD pat...
Iran’s Postgraduate Medical Education Achievements over Last 35 Years
Aims: This article provides important information on Iran clinical postgraduate education progresses over the last 35 years. This historical study focus is on post graduate education quantitative achievements and growth...