Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorder: An Occupational Hazard among the Workers of Animal Husbandry

An Exploratory Survey was conducted to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder among the workers of animal husbandry in Ward No- 15, Pokhara, Nepal. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are problems affecting the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves or other soft tissues and joints. The back, neck and upper limbs are particularly at risk. The study covered sample of 45 workers of poultry farm, cattle farm, pig farm and sheep farm from four different farms was selected by convenience sampling. Data was collected by interviewing each worker separately. Among them 35.60% were working in cattle farm, 31.10% in poultry farm, 24.40% in pig farm and 8.90% in sheep farm. Most of the workers were having back pain (53.33%), some of them were having neck pain(13.33%), some of them were suffering from shoulder and wrist/hand pain(11.11%), few of them were having ankles/feet pain(6.67%), very few of them were having elbow and knee pain(4.4%) and no-one were having hips/thighs pain. Majority of the workers always wear safety shoes with non-skid soles (66.67), consult safety supervisor or supplier when needed (42.2%), and take work soiled clothing at home (73.3%). Majority of them used to wear respirator or mask to avoid inhalation of dust or food particles (35.6%), take shower and change clothes sometime (46.7%). Most of them were not provided with appropriate eye protection (91.1%) and gloves to protect hand (64.4%).