Incidence and Predictors of Hand–Arm Musculoskeletal Complaints among Vibration-exposed African Cassava and Corn Millers

• Published in: Safety and health at work Vol. 5; no. 3; pp. 131 - 135
• Main Authors: Mbutshu, Lukuke Hendrick, Malonga, Kaj Francoise, Ngatu, Nlandu Roger, Kanbara, Sakiko, Longo-Mbenza, Benjamin, Suganuma, Narufumi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Elsevier B.V 01.09.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: hand-arm vibration exposure; incidence; miller; musculoskeletal complaint; Original; hand-arm vibration exposure; miller; incidence; musculoskeletal complaint
• ISSN: 2093-7911; 2093-7997
• DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2014.04.003

Cassava and corn milling is a growing small-scale enterprise in Africa. We aimed to determine the incidence of hand–arm musculoskeletal complaints among vibration-exposed Congolese cassava and corn millers in the previous 12 months. A cross-sectional study was conducted, prior to a follow-up study, from March to May 2013 among cassava/corn millers in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, in which 365 millers age-matched to 365 civil workers anonymously answered a questionnaire. Overall incidence of hand–arm musculoskeletal complaints was 25.8% in millers (vs. 5.2% in civil workers; p < 0.001). The risk of experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms was seven times higher in millers [vs. civil workers; odds ratio (OR) = 7.10; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.03–12.50; p < 0.0001]; 2.4 times higher in smoking millers (vs. smoking civil office workers; OR = 2.36; 95% CI: 1.42–3.88; p < 0.001); 3.6 times higher in millers with longer daily exposure (> 8 hours; vs. those working ≤ 8 hours; OR = 3.56; 95% CI: 1.93–3.61; p = 0.026); and 7.4 times higher in young millers (vs. older millers, OR = 7.39; 95% CI: 1.29–75.52; p < 0.001). Smoking, number of cigarettes, and daily exposure duration were positively correlated with musculoskeletal complaints. This study revealed a relatively high incidence of musculoskeletal complaints among African cassava and corn millers. The use of anti-vibration protective equipment and the regulation of this hazardous occupation may reduce the burden of musculoskeletal disorders in millers.