Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Female Garment Factory Workers in Sri Lanka

Abstract

<p><bold>Background:</bold> The garment industry in Sri Lanka employs an estimated 400,000 individuals, the majority of which are women. Garment factory workers are exposed to physical demands and repetitive nature of industrial work, placing them at risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. </p><p><bold>Objectives:</bold> To assess the types and extent of work-related musculoskeletal health problems experienced by female garment factory workers in Sri Lanka, and to identify risk factors associated with higher rates of musculoskeletal disease in this population. </p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> A cross-sectional study was conducted in a simple random sample of 1058 female garment factory workers in the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in Kogalla. Socio-demographic and occupational health data was collected via interviewer-administered survey, while a self-administered questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to assess worker quality of life. Crude prevalent odds ratios were calculated for key demographic variables (age, BMI, job type, education, tenure, income). Variables demonstrating important association with the outcome (musculoskeletal complaints of any type) were retained in the final multivariate model. </p><p><bold>Results:</bold> 164 (15.5%) of workers reported musculoskeletal symptoms occurring more than 3 times or lasting a week or greater during the previous 12-month period. The back was the most frequently affected region (57.3%), followed by knees (31.7%), shoulders (9.1%), hand and wrist (7.3%), neck (6.7%), and forearm and elbow (3.0%). Average symptom severity was moderate, and most individuals (55.8-83.3%) reported difficulty maintaining work quality as a result of their pain. Nearly all women (>90%) felt their problems affected their leisure activities and household work, though few reported missing work as a direct consequence of their discomfort. Frequency of musculoskeletal complaints increased monotonically with increasing age. Higher monthly income, 60 or more months spent working in the industry, and lower educational attainment all correlated positively with complaints. No significant relationships were identified for BMI or job type. In multiple regression analysis age, time in the industry, and monthly income were significantly associated with musculoskeletal complaints for any location. Those with any complaints were more likely to report moderate or worse quality of life and health satisfaction.</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> Musculoskeletal complaints among female garment workers in the FTZ of Kogalla are surprisingly low. Though this population is quite young and sociocultural factors may effect a degree of underreporting, the generally good health of Sri Lankan workers suggests that the developing world industries can achieve safe work environments within their FTZs factories. Further research is necessary to better understand mental health problems within this population.</p>