Prevalence of Musculoskeletal problems in housemaids

Abstract

Aim: To find out the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems in housemaids
Objectives:
1. To find the musculoskeletal problems in housemaids
2. To find common sites of pain
3. To assess the severity of pain using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
Method: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 100 housemaids
Results: Descriptive analysis showed that 46% of the participants suffered from dull aching type pain. Nature of pain was reported as intermittent by 80% of the participants.
Upper back, lower back and knees were the commonest sites of pain, each being prevalent in 50% of the participants. Pain intensity of 5/10 was reported by 26 participants. Squatting and standing were the most common postures adopted by the housemaids while working, 45% and 44% respectively. Bending (26%) was the commonest aggravating factor reported by the housemaids followed by squatting while washing utensils (25%) and standing (20%). Medications, massage and rest were the relieving factors reported by 30%, 28% and 28% of the participants respectively.
Conclusion:
The commonest musculoskeletal problems in housemaids were upper back pain (50%), Lower back pain (50%) and knee pain (50%). 26% of the housemaids reported the pain intensity to be 5/10 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
Key words: housemaids, musculoskeletal problems, work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs)