Occupational factors relating to musculoskeletal diseases among elderly people in Pak Nam municipalty, Bang Khla district, Chachoengsao province

Abstract

The main cause of musculoskeletal diseases in the elderly is excessive physical exertion and improper posture during their working years. This study aimed to examine the association between occupational factors and chronic musculoskeletal diseases in the elderly. Fifty elderly individuals with musculoskeletal disorders were randomly selected as the sample group in Pak Nam Municipality,
Bang Khla District, Chachoengsao, Thailand. According to the findings, 74% of the sample group were female and 26% were male. The average age of the participants was 70.8 years, and the majority (50%) were former agriculturists. Musculoskeletal problems in the lower back and knees occurred consistently, four to six days per week. Historical occupational data showed that 54% of the participants had worked as agriculturists, typically working seven days a week for eight hours per day. Analysis of occupational characteristics during working age and current musculoskeletal symptoms revealed a correlation between knee discomfort and squatting posture at work (r = 0.400, p < 0.01). Additionally, primarily standing at work (r = 0.338, p < 0.05), placing weight on one side while standing (r = 0.528,
p < 0.01), and lifting heavy objects during work (r = 0.329, p < 0.05) were significantly associated with lower back pain. Although musculoskeletal disorders in the elderly may result from multiple factors, this study indicates that the nature of their past occupations is also related to the development of such disorders in later life.