Abstract
This cross-sectional descriptive study was aimed at determining the prevalence rate and related
factors of musculoskeletal disorders in sugarcane workers of Baan Meng subdistrict, Nong Rua District,
Khon Kaen Province. The data were collected in the period from April to May 2009 by interviews; they
were modified using Worksheet “A” and Worksheet “B” MSI risk factor identification of the Workers’
Compensation Board of British Columbia, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and the musculoskeletal
disorders questionnaire devised by Somkiat Siriratanaphruek MD, PhD. All 219 sugarcane workers in
Baan Meng subdistrict were randomly selected. The prevalence rate of musculoskeletal disorders in the
sugarcane workers over the previous 12 months was 72.6 percent. Factors significantly related to musculoskeletal
disorders were maintenance work, extending arms away from the body for at least two hours
per day and working with repetitive movement for at least two hours per day. The authors recommend
that these practical surveillance guidelines be developed and provided to the governmental agencies concerned
in order to prevent such musculoskeletal disorders in sugarcane workers.
