PREVALENCE AND SEVERITY OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISCOMFORT AMONG FEMALE STREET SWEEPERS IN UJJAIN, MADHYA PRADESH: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Street sweeping is a physically demanding occupation involving repetitive movements, prolonged standing, and manual handling of waste, leading to increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Despite the prevalence of MSDs among street sweepers globally, limited research exists focusing on female street sweepers in India, particularly regarding the occupational health hazards associated with ergonomic risk factors.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal discomfort among female street sweepers in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, and to identify specific body regions most affected by work-related musculoskeletal problems.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over two months involving 50 female street sweepers aged 25-60 years from randomly selected areas of Ujjain city. The validated Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was administered through face-to-face interviews to assess musculoskeletal discomfort across nine body regions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to examine associations between age groups and MSD prevalence.

Results: The mean age of participants was 44.76 ± 10.71 years. Over the past 12 months, knee problems were most prevalent (68.0%), followed by upper back (62.0%), hip (52.0%), and neck (46.0%) troubles. Significant age-related associations were found for neck (), upper back (), wrist (), and hip () disorders, with higher prevalence in older age groups. Work disruption due to MSDs was reported by 50.0% of participants for both neck and knee problems. In the past seven days, knee issues remained most common (54.0%), with significant age associations for shoulder , hip , and ankle problems.

Conclusion: Female street sweepers in Ujjain experience high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly affecting the knees, upper back, and hips, with age being a significant risk factor. These findings emphasize the urgent need for ergonomic interventions, workplace modifications, health education programs, and preventive strategies to reduce the burden of occupational MSDs among this vulnerable population.