Prevalence and Anatomical Distribution of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Petrol Station Attendants in Maiduguri, Nigeria
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a significant occupational health concern, particularly among petrol station attendants exposed to repetitive tasks, prolonged standing, and awkward postures. Despite the increasing burden of WMSDs globally, there is a lack of data on their prevalence and patterns in this occupational group in Maiduguri, Nigeria.
Aim/Objectives: This study determined the prevalence, patterns, and occupational risk factors of WMSDs among petrol attendants in Maiduguri and to propose preventive measures to reduce their burden.
Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 150 petrol station attendants selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The 12-month prevalence of WMSDs was 68%, with the shoulder (45.1%), wrist (37.3%), and neck (34.3%) being the most affected regions. Significant associations were found between WMSDs and factors such as years of working experience (p < 0.05). A majority of participants (71.6%) lacked ergonomic training, while medication was the most common management strategy.
Conclusion: WMSDs are highly prevalent among petrol attendants in Maiduguri, with occupational risk factors playing a significant role. Interventions such as ergonomic training, workplace modifications, and awareness campaigns are critical for reducing this burden.
Downloads
Article Details
Section
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
References
Abdullah, M. F., Rahman, N. A. A., & Yusoff, M. N. H. (2021). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among Malaysian petrol station workers: Prevalence and risk factors. International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 34(3), 255–268.
Adegoke, B. O., Akodu, A. K., & Oyeyemi, A. L. (2008). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among Nigerian physiotherapists. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 9, 112. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-9-112
Akodu, A. K., Okafor, U. A., & Adebayo, A. V. (2016). Prevalence of low back pain among filling station attendants in Lagos, Nigeria. African Journal of Biomedical Research, 19(2), 109–115.
Akodu, A., & Famose, I. (2019). Prevalence, patterns, and coping strategies of musculoskeletal disorders among caterers in Lagos State, Nigeria. Journal of Occupational Health and Epidemiology, 8(1), 29–36.
Chiwaridzo, M., Makotore, V., Dambi, J. M., Munambah, N., & Mhlanga, M. (2018). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses in Zimbabwe. BMC Research Notes, 11, 315. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-018-3412-8
Dagne, D., Abebe, S. M., & Getachew, A. (2020). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among bank workers in Ethiopia. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 25, 33.
Daniel, W. W. (1999). Biostatistics: A foundation for analysis in the health sciences (7th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
Dan-Inu, M. A., Karaga, M. A., Abubakar, I. A., & Saleh, A. B. (2025). Prevalence and evaluation of pattern of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among aluminum workers. Adesh University Journal of Medical Sciences & Research. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.25259/AUJMSR_11_2025
Descatha, A., Roquelaure, Y., Chastang, J. F., Evanoff, B., Melchior, M., Mariot, C., Ha, C., Imbernon, E., Goldberg, M., & Leclerc, A. (2007). Validity of Nordic-style questionnaires in the surveillance of upper-limb musculoskeletal disorders. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 33(1), 58–65.
Ferreira, J., & Freire, M. (2001). Musculoskeletal pain among fuel station attendants: Prevalence and associated risk factors. Ergonomics, 44(3), 123–129.
Forde, M. S., Punnett, L., & Wegman, D. H. (2021). Occupational musculoskeletal disorders: Risk factors and prevention strategies. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, 27(2), 125–136.
Kaygisiz, B. B. (2018). Employment of people with disabilities and ergonomic risk factors at workplace. In Occupational therapy—Therapeutic and creative use of activity. IntechOpen.
Kuorinka, I., Jonsson, B., Kilbom, A., Vinterberg, H., Biering-Sørensen, F., Andersson, G., & Jørgensen, K. (1987). Standardised Nordic questionnaires for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms. Applied Ergonomics, 18(3), 233–237.
Maduagwu, S. M., Sokunbi, G. O., Bwala, M. P., Akanbi, O. A., Jajere, A. M., Jaiyeola, O. A., Maduagwu, B. C., & Ojiakor, A. C. (2015). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among sewing machine operators in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Occupational Medicine & Health Affairs, 3, 219.
Mussi, G., & Gouveia, N. (2008). Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Brazilian hairdressers. Occupational Medicine, 58(5), 367–369.
Ndejjo, R., Musinguzi, G., Yu, X., & Nuwaha, F. (2020). Occupational risk factors and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among workers in sub-Saharan Africa: A meta-analysis. Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, 15(1), 12.
Omojunikanbi, O. A., Akinpelu, A. O., & Ekechukwu, E. N. D. (2022). Prevalence, pattern and predictors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among oil workers in Nigeria. Work, 71(1), 151–163.
Punnett, L., & Wegman, D. H. (2004). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders: The epidemiologic evidence and the debate. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 14(1), 13–23.
Rodrigues, B. C., Moreira, C. C. C., Triana, T. A., Rabelo, J. F., & Higarashi, I. H. (2013). Limitations and consequences caused by work-related diseases in workers’ lives. Revista Rene, 14(2), 23–30.
Saidu, I. A., Maduagwu, S. M., Abbas, A. D., Adetunji, O. O., & Jajere, A. M. (2011). Lumbar spinal mobility changes among adults with advancing age. Journal of Mid-Life Health, 2(2), 65–71.
Silverstein, B. A., Adams, D., & Fine, L. J. (2002). Economic impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the United States. Occupational Medicine, 17(4), 567–589.
Takala, J., Iavicoli, S., Kang, S. K., Gagliardi, D., Nogueira, C., & Kocks, D. (2021). Work-related injuries and diseases: Global estimates and prevention strategies. International Journal of Labour Research, 10(1–2), 23–38.
Tinubu, B. M., Mbada, C. E., Oyeyemi, A. L., & Fabunmi, A. A. (2010). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses in Nigeria. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 11, 12.
Vieira, E. R., & Kumar, S. (2004). Working postures: A literature review. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 14, 143–159.