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Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Farmer Workers in Outpatient Physiotherapy Department: An Epidemiological Study

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) involve inflammatory and degenerative diseases that lead to pain and functional damage in all age groups. The agricultural profession is painful with many natural hazards/risks and stressful factors that either predispose or cause injuries to the musculoskeletal system. The aim of this current study is to determine the prevalence of the musculoskeletal burden on farmers who sought physical therapies, in a public, general hospital of Northern Greece. An epidemiological study was conducted during the period January 2008 – December 2014, through a retrospective study of the patients’ records. The distribution of the MSDs was carried out according to Nordic Body Map. 1,020 patients’ files were studied. The agricultural farmers held the highest percentage (58.8%) of the total population. Female farmers occupy the highest percentage of MSDs in the knee joint (30.26%), while men in the shoulders (41.0%). The results of the survey highlighted the increased emergence of MSDs in agricultural workers. Educating farmers and using improved farming equipment can help prevent musculoskeletal risks and improve musculoskeletal health.