Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Tailors in Saddar, Peshawar: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) pain are common among occupations requiring repetitive manual tasks and sustained postures, particularly in informal sectors such as tailoring. Objective: To determine the frequency and distribution of WMSDs pain among tailors in the Saddar area of Peshawar and assess associated occupational risk. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 involving 313 male tailors aged 18–40 years using non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected through the modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire in both English and Urdu. Inclusion criteria required a work duration of 1–10 hours daily for six days weekly. Individuals with trauma, recent surgeries, or pregnancy were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with chi-square tests used to assess associations (p < 0.05). Results: Out of 313 participants, 267 (85.3%) reported WMSDs pain. The most affected body regions were the shoulder (14.7%), elbow (13.4%), and upper back (10.5%). Significant associations were found between WMSDs pain and working ≥8 hours/day, as well as sitting and cross-legged postures (p < 0.05). Conclusion: WMSDs pain is highly common among tailors in Peshawar, emphasizing the need for ergonomic interventions, early screening, and worker health awareness to reduce occupational strain.

Keywords: Ergonomics, Informal Employment, Musculoskeletal Diseases, Occupational Health, Repetitive Strain Injury, Tailoring, Work-Related Disorders