Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors among weavers: A cross-sectional study.
Pegdwendé A Kaboré, Bénédicte Schepens
PMID 38855078WHAT IT FOUND
Weavers in Burkina Faso reported high rates of musculoskeletal pain, with lower back pain affecting nearly three-quarters.
Pain was linked to long working hours, age, and years of experience. Ergonomic changes, such as splitting heavy loads and alternating sitting with movement, are needed to reduce these risks.
Key findings
01Nearly three-quarters of weavers reported lower back pain over the last year, which was the main reason for stopping work or reducing daily activities.
02Weavers working 8 or more hours a day were twice as likely to report upper back pain compared to those working fewer hours.
03The dyeing phase involves carrying loads of 20–25 kg, often with one hand or with the trunk bent, creating high physical strain.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study used purposive sampling, so the results may not represent all weavers in the region. The validity and reliability of the translated questionnaire (Nordic Questionnaire in Mooré) have not been formally tested. Data on pain and work interruptions relied on self-report and recall over the past year, which may lead to underestimation. The cross-sectional design identifies associations but cannot prove that specific work factors caused the pain.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume these pain levels apply to all workers in Burkina Faso. The study only surveyed weavers in the Ouagadougou area using non-random sampling, and the specific ergonomic risks identified are unique to the handloom weaving process.