Musculoskeletal Disorders in Thermal Plant Workers: Prevalence and Determinants

Background: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are associated with long-term pain, fatigue, and physical disability, often leading to reduced productivity, job restrictions, absenteeism, and transfer to alternative work roles. These have a considerable impact on quality of life with an economic toll on the individual, the organization, and the society as a whole. Purpose: However, research on MSDs in thermal power plant workers is limited; thus, the objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of MSDs in thermal plant workers. Method: A sample size of 200 workers was obtained, and data was collected using a questionnaire designed for the same via the interview schedule method. Results: The 12-month prevalence of MSDs in workers was found to be 59.7%. The majority of the workers had a higher prevalence of low back pain (45.29%). Upon univariate analysis, age (OR=7.30, 95% CI: 2.15-24.76, p=0.001), BMI (OR=8.10, 95% CI: 1.80-36.44, p=0.006), nature of work (OR=5.13, 95% CI: 1.34-19.63, p=0.017), work experience (OR=4.41, 95% CI: 1.86-10.45, p=0.001), and socioeconomic status (OR=2.03, 95% CI: 1.02-4.04, p=0.044) were found to be risk factors for MSDs. Conclusion: Low back and neck pain emerged as the most prevalent MSDs. Contributing factors included long-term poor posture, heavy lifting, and previous trauma or injury. Age, BMI, nature of work, years of experience, and socioeconomic status were identified as significant risk factors. Preventive measures, such as ergonomic workplace modifications and structured exercise programs, are strongly recommended to reduce the occurrence and impact of MSDs.