This cross-sectional study presents the prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) among rubber tappers in Paphayom District, Phatthalung Province, Thailand. A total of 250 rubber tappers participated in this study. A general questionnaire was used to collect demographic background data and physical work characteristics, while a modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of MSDs (within six months). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the general data and prevalence. Inferential statistics at 95% confidence interval analyzed the factors affecting to MSDs and Odds Ratio (OR). The results showed that the majority of participants were females (56.8%). The mean age of tappers was 42.1 ± 12.6 years. The average work experience and Body Mass Index (BMI) were 12.6 ± 8.3 years and 22.3 ± 3.5, respectively. The prevalence of MSDs (in any body region) in the last 6 months was 36.40 (95% CI 30.42-42.69). The highest prevalence rates of MSDs were reported in the lower back, upper back, hip & thigh regions (30.4%, 6.8%, and 6.0%, respectively). Risk factors that significantly resulted in MSDs were the age of workers, work experience, and handedness behavior. The significant risk factors related to working conditions were plantation ground level, tapping light, handedness, grip tightness, standing posture, age of rubber tree, and tapping height. This study reveals that rubber tappers suffered from acute MSD (for the past 6 months) on the low back area. Various risk factors were found to be significant with MSD. Rubber tappers exposed to a combination of risk factors may have an increased risk of developing MSDs. Further study with a comprehensive strategy is essential to determine the need for appropriate intervention and health promotion for rubber tappers.

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S. Inraksa, A. Sungkhapong and K. Pochana, “Prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders in rubber tappers: A case study in Phatthalung Province, Thailand,” International Journal of Health and Medical Sciences, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 23-28, 2017.