Prevalence and associated factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among workers in a manganese enterprise

Tianzi SHAN; Junxiang MA; Tian CHEN; Kang NONG; Yucheng SUN; Xueting WANG; Gaoman ZHANG; Teng MA; Zhuoran XIA; Fengtao CUI; Li CHEN; Yanyan ZHENG; Piye NIU

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Prevalence and associated factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among workers in a manganese enterprise

VernacularTitle:某锰企业作业工人工作相关肌肉骨骼疾患检出率及影响因素
Author: Tianzi SHAN ¹ ; Junxiang MA ¹ ; Tian CHEN ¹ ; Kang NONG ² ; Yucheng SUN ¹ ; Xueting WANG ¹ ; Gaoman ZHANG ¹ ; Teng MA ¹ ; Zhuoran XIA ¹ ; Fengtao CUI ¹ ; Li CHEN ¹ ; Yanyan ZHENG ² ; Piye NIU ¹
Author Information

1. Beijing Key Laboratory of Environment and Aging/Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
2. Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Institute for the Prevention and Treatment of Occupational Disease, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, China.
Publication Type:Investigation
Keywords: work-related musculoskeletal disorder; manganese work; biomechanics; work organization; work environment; social psychology
From: Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(3):333-340
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Background Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major occupational health concern, particularly among workers exposed to adverse ergonomic conditions. Manganese production involves heavy physical demands, yet research on WMSDs among manganese workers remains limited. Objective To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of WMSDs among manganese workers in a manganese enterprise in Guangxi. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to June 2024 on workers at a manganese factory in Guangxi. The Chinese Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire was used to collect information on demographic characteristics, distribution of musculoskeletal symptoms, and work-related exposures. χ² test was applied to compare differences in positive WMSDs rates across groups, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associated factors. Results A total of 1476 workers were enrolled in the study after pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of WMSDs was 34.15%. The most commonly affected body regions were the lower back (17.28%), neck (16.67%), and shoulders (13.82%). The results of logistic regression analysis indicated that female, older age, and education level of college or above were associated with a higher risk of WMSDs (P<0.05). Awkward working postures were significantly associated with WMSDs in corresponding body regions; in particular, awkward postures of the neck, upper limbs, trunk, and lower limbs were related to an increased risk of WMSDs in multiple body sites (P<0.05). In addition, poor lighting conditions, high workplace temperature, frequent or sustained arm support during work, and high job demands were associated with an increased risk of overall or site-specific WMSDs (P<0.05). Conclusion The high prevalence of WMSDs among manganese workers is closely associated with demographic characteristics, working postures, and work environment and organizational factors. Targeted ergonomic interventions focusing on high-risk body regions and key ergonomic exposures are warranted to reduce the risk of WMSDs among manganese workers.