Prevalence and evaluation of pattern of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among aluminum workers

INTRODUCTION

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) pose a major public health challenge, impacting workers across diverse professions. These disorders involve injuries and discomfort affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints, primarily resulting from repetitive movements, awkward postures, and extended physical exertion.^[1] On a global scale, WMSDs are a leading contributor to work-related disability, absenteeism, and reduced productivity, affecting both developed and developing nations.^[2] The situation is particularly severe in low-income countries, where poor workplace conditions, limited ergonomic awareness, and inadequate preventive measures further exacerbate the burden of these disorders.^[3]

The aluminum industry is one of the sectors where workers are exposed to significant physical strain. Employees frequently perform repetitive tasks, engage in heavy lifting, stand for long periods, and adopt awkward working postures. These occupational hazards are often intensified by additional environmental factors, such as exposure to vibrations and poor ergonomic conditions, making aluminum workers particularly vulnerable to WMSDs.^[4] While international research has explored the prevalence of WMSDs in similar industries, there remains a scarcity of studies focusing specifically on aluminum workers in Maiduguri, Nigeria.

In Nigeria, research on WMSDs has primarily concentrated on professions such as healthcare providers, drivers, and factory workers, leaving aluminum workers – who face distinct ergonomic challenges – largely overlooked.^[5,6] This gap in research limits the understanding of the extent and impact of WMSDs in this particular workforce.

The economic and social consequences of WMSDs are substantial. These disorders not only contribute to increased medical expenses but also lead to indirect costs such as lost productivity, work absenteeism, and decreased employee morale.^[7] In physically demanding jobs like aluminum work, where employees engage in strenuous and repetitive activities, WMSDs tend to be particularly prevalent. Commonly affected body regions include the lower back, neck, shoulders, and wrists, with symptoms often linked to tasks such as lifting heavy materials, prolonged standing, and operating machinery in ergonomically unfavorable conditions.^[8]

Although WMSDs are widely acknowledged as a major occupational health concern, there is limited research addressing their prevalence and associated risk factors among aluminum workers in developing nations like Nigeria. Existing studies on comparable labor-intensive professions have identified key ergonomic hazards, including extended working hours and inadequate rest periods. However, specific challenges faced by aluminum workers remain insufficiently explored.^[9,10]

In Maiduguri, Borno State, aluminum workers operate under challenging conditions, with little to no ergonomic interventions, limited access to health education, and weak enforcement of occupational safety regulations. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of WMSDs in this workforce is essential for developing targeted solutions that minimize health risks and enhance productivity. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the occurrence, patterns, and contributing factors of WMSDs among aluminum workers in Maiduguri. In addition, it highlights that the need for ergonomic training and policy reforms aimed at improving workplace safety. The findings will provide data-driven recommendations to support preventive strategies, enhance working environments, and promote the overall well-being of aluminum workers in the region.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

RESULTS

A total of 276 NMQs were distributed and fully completed, yielding a 100% response rate. Sociodemographic analysis showed that all respondents were male (100%). The highest proportion (31.9%) of participants were aged between 26 and 35 years (n = 88), while the smallest group (14.9%, n = 41) belonged to the 18–25 age category.

In terms of educational background, 88.4% (n = 244) of respondents had tertiary education, while a small percentage had only primary education (0.7%, n = 2) or no formal education (1.8%, n = 5). Regarding work experience, most participants (30.8%, n = 85) had been in the aluminum industry for 7–8 years.

Concerning working hours, the majority (52.2%, n = 144) reported working between 3 and 4 h/day, while 33.7% (n = 93) worked 7–8 h daily. The sociodemographic characteristics are outlined in Table 1.

DISCUSSION

The results of this study highlight the high prevalence of WMSDs among aluminum workers in Maiduguri, with 62.3% of workers reporting symptoms in the past year and 43.7% experiencing discomfort within the past 7 days. These findings are consistent with global research indicating that labor-intensive industries pose a significant risk for musculoskeletal disorders.^[1,4] The lower back, neck, and right shoulder emerged as the most affected areas, aligning with previous studies that associate repetitive movements, prolonged standing, and awkward postures with musculoskeletal strain.^[8]

The prevalence of WMSDs observed in this study mirrors findings in similar occupations. A study conducted among aluminum workers in Norway documented a comparable pattern, with the lower back, shoulders, and wrists identified as the most affected areas due to repetitive work and exposure to vibrations.^[4] Likewise, research from Nigeria has reported high WMSD rates among industrial workers.

For example, Adegoke et al. (2008)^[5] found a 58% prevalence among factory workers, while Adamu et al. (2011)^[6] recorded 66.5% among factory workers in Kano, both attributing these figures to poor ergonomics and physically demanding tasks.

This study also supports the findings of Maduagwu et al. (2015),^[9] who identified the lower back as the most commonly affected area among long-distance drivers in Nigeria, suggesting that extended sitting or standing, as observed in aluminum work, significantly contributes to lumbar strain. Similarly, Lee et al. (2018)^[11] established a direct correlation between long working hours and WMSDs, emphasizing cumulative exposure to ergonomic risk factors as a major determinant of disorder prevalence.

Despite these similarities, some international studies report lower WMSD prevalence rates. For instance, Descatha et al. (2007)^[10] found a 47% prevalence among metal workers in France, attributing the lower rate to greater ergonomic awareness and workplace modifications. This contrast underscores the critical role of ergonomic training and occupational safety policies in reducing the risk of WMSDs.

Although the prevalence reported in this study aligns with findings from other developing nations, it remains higher than reported figures in developed countries, where ergonomic interventions and workplace safety policies are more effectively enforced.^[2] This disparity may stem from insufficient ergonomic education and weak enforcement of occupational health policies in developing regions.^[3]

A key distinction between this study and others is the lack of significant associations between WMSDs and demographic factors such as age, education level, and work experience. Some studies^[7,11] have identified a strong link between increasing age, prolonged work exposure, and WMSD risk. However, the variation in findings may be attributed to differences in research methodology, sample size, or specific working conditions in Maiduguri’s aluminum industry.

One notable limitation of this study is the reliance on self-reported data, which may be subject to recall bias. Previous studies^[1,4] have suggested that objective ergonomic assessments, such as posture analysis and biomechanical evaluations, provide a more accurate representation of workplace risk exposure. Future research should incorporate observational assessments and longitudinal designs to establish causal relationships between work conditions and WMSDs.

A significant concern raised by this study is the low level of ergonomic awareness and workplace interventions among aluminum workers. While 56.5% of workers reported modifying their sitting or standing posture to alleviate discomfort, only a small proportion had received formal ergonomic training. This knowledge gap emphasizes the urgent need for targeted ergonomic interventions, including workplace modifications, regular rest breaks, and comprehensive training on proper posture and equipment handling. Similar recommendations have been proposed by Maduagwu et al. (2015) and Descatha et al. (2007),^[9,10] both of whom stress the importance of workplace education programs in mitigating WMSDs.

Implementing policy-level interventions, such as mandatory occupational health and safety programs, is crucial in addressing WMSD risks. Countries with strong occupational health regulations, particularly in Scandinavia, report lower WMSD prevalence rates due to proactive ergonomic assessments and worker education initiatives.^[8] Adopting similar policies in Nigeria could significantly reduce WMSDs in labor-intensive sectors like aluminum manufacturing.

CONCLUSION

This study contributes to the growing body of research on WMSDs in labor-intensive industries, highlighting a notable burden among aluminum workers in Maiduguri. The findings emphasize the urgent need for ergonomic interventions, occupational health policies, and increased awareness programs to mitigate the risk of WMSDs.

By prioritizing worker health and safety, organizations can enhance productivity while minimizing the economic and social consequences of musculoskeletal disorders. Implementing ergonomic training, workplace modifications, and regulatory interventions can significantly reduce WMSD prevalence, ensuring better occupational health outcomes for aluminum workers in Nigeria.