Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent occupational health issues among construction workers. These disorders are a leading cause of reduced productivity, functional impairment, and lasting disability in this workforce.
This study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with musculoskeletal pain among construction workers in Al-Mukalla City.
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Mukalla City, Yemen, from November 2022 to March 2023. A total of 378 construction workers, including general laborers, plumbers, electricians, bricklayers, tile setters, painters, carpenters, and blacksmiths, were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Pain severity and interference were assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) scores. The BPI scores were calculated as the mean of the severity and interference items. Respondents who had experienced pain in the past week rated their pain intensity at its worst, average, least, and current levels on a numerical scale ranging from 0 to 10.
Results: The findings indicated that 150 (39.7%) construction workers reported musculoskeletal pain, with bricklayers and general laborers showing the highest prevalence at 37.33% and 24%, respectively. Significant associations were observed between pain and factors, such as BMI, marital status, smoking, awkward posture, prolonged static positions, and work satisfaction. However, no significant associations were found between pain and educational level, type of work, or additional work. Lower back pain was the most common (59.33%), followed by knee pain (30.66%). Among workers with musculoskeletal pain, 53.3% reported moderate pain severity, 44.67% reported mild pain, and 2% reported severe pain. Pain interference with daily activities was mostly mild (74%), with some experiencing moderate interference (22%) and a minority facing severe interference (4%).
Conclusion: The study conducted in Al-Mukalla City highlights a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among construction workers, particularly affecting the lower back and knees. Overall, the pain severity was rated as moderate (mean= 3.51), with mild interference in most activities except for general activity and mood where pain had a moderate interference (mean= 3.81 and mean= 3.56, respectively).