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Assessing the impact of weaving on musculoskeletal disorders among Handloom and Powerloom weavers in Varanasi, India: a cross-sectional study

Laeek Ahemad Siddiqui, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Adrita Banerjee, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are painful disorders caused by overuse of the muscles, joints, nerves, tendons, and soft tissues of the body. India with a long history of weaving and craft industry has a huge number of workers engaged in the handloom industry. Studies on MSDs in the handloom, as well as powerloom industry, are very few in Indian context. Thus have this study attempts to understand risk factors for MSDs in various areas of the body among the handloom and powerloom, weavers. The study is based on cross-sectional household survey data collected from the Varanasi district of India.12-month prevalence of MSDs was higher among handloom weavers compared to power loom weaver, particularly in the upper back (84-45%) low back (82–50%), knee (60–35%), and shoulder (76–42%). Similar patterns were observed in the 12-month prevalence of MSDs which prevented normal activity inside and outside the home, Analysis suggests that the occupation of weaving raises the risk of MSDs particularly in the shoulder, lower and upper back. Older age and long years of working are significant risk factors for MSDs. Findings suggest that preventive measures and treatment to minimize the burden of MSDs among handloom weavers are strongly recommended.

Keywords: Health and morbidity

See paper.

  Presented in Session P16.