Risk Factors Related to Perceived Hot Conditions on Outdoor Farms Among Thai Elderly Farmers With Chronic Diseases.

Working on outdoor farms affects elderly farmers' health, especially those who have chronic diseases. This study aims to identify the risk factors related to perceived hot conditions on outdoor farms among elderly Thai farmers aged 60 years and older with chronic diseases. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 352 elderly farmers in nine sub-districts of Nong Suea District, Pathum Thani Province, Thailand via convenience sampling. Questionnaires were used as instruments to gather data about demographic and working factors. The risk factors associated with elderly Thai farmers' perceptions of hot conditions on outdoor farms were identified by using binary logistic regression. The most common chronic illnesses were hypertension (35.8%), heart disease (34.4%), and diabetes mellitus (24.5%). More than 60.5% of the participants perceived their hot conditions to be high. The results of binary logistic regression show that low income and work duration ≤8.0 hours per day were risk factors related to perceived hot conditions on outdoor farms (P value < 0.05). These findings may be used by relevant authorities to support elderly farmers by emphasizing the importance of individual and work-related factors. Relevant government agencies should consider formulating working standards in hot conditions specifically for elderly farm workers.

Factors Influencing Work Ability among the Working-Age Population in Singburi Province, Thailand.

The ability to work is an essential factor in the quality of work life. This study aimed to determine factors related to work ability among the working population in Sing Buri Province. A total of 360 workers completed a cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire. The questionnaire included demographic data and work conditions, psychosocial factors, and measures of the seven components of the work-ability index (WAI). Mean, percentage, standard deviation, and stepwise multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine the rates and predictors of the WAI of the participants. Of the 360 participants, 61.40% were women with an average age of 43.00 ± 11.30 years; 36.70% had completed high school education. Their average work experience was 11.30 ± 8.50 years. The results revealed that the average WAI was 31.40 ± 4.15. 76.10% of the participants qualified for the moderate work ability index. The number of current diseases, age, and monthly income were found to significantly contribute to the prediction of the WAI (p < 0.05). This finding suggests that the relevant agencies should support a policy, project or program related to health promotion among the working population with physical health conditions. Promoting occupations should be considered to raise income policy. In doing so, work ability among the working population may be improved.

Comparison of musculoskeletal load using two devices for manual height adjustment of the hospital bed.

Objectives. Patient manual handling in bed causes lower back pain (LBP) among Thai nurses. This study aims to develop an extension device for manual height adjustment of the hospital bed, and to evaluate its efficiency in preventing LBP among Thai nurses. Methods. Eleven participants were enrolled for electromyography measurement in eight right muscles. Subsequently, 56 volunteer nurses were recruited by convenience sampling for observational risk assessment by rapid entire body assessment (REBA) and satisfaction evaluation. The characteristics of the participants, percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC) of each muscle, REBA scores and satisfaction in using the device were analyzed by descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis of variance, paired t test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, respectively. Results. %MVC values of the six muscles, i.e., biceps brachii, deltoideus, trapezius, latissimus dorsi, erector spinae and hamstring, were found to have a 4-18% decrease. The REBA scores decreased for both left and right when using the extension device, and all participants were more satisfied with the extension device than the hand crank of the hospital bed. Conclusions. The use of the extension device for manual height adjustment of the hospital bed developed from this study helps to prevent LBP among healthcare workers across settings.

Agricultural Risk Factors Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Older Farmers in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand.

Background Agriculture is one of the most hazardous jobs in terms of occupational illness, especially musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This paper is a cross-sectional study designed to identify agricultural risk factors related to MSDs among older farmers.Methods A convenience sampling method was used to select 481 older farmers from the Nong Suea district in Pathum Thani province. A three-part questionnaire generated data that included demographics, work conditions, and environment, and self-reported MSDs. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for MSDs.Results The results indicated the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the past 7 days and 12 months were 87.9% and 88.9%, respectively. The three body parts with highest prevalence rates of MSDs were lower extremities (65.4%), lower back (42.6%), and shoulders (29.9%). Factors significantly associated with reporting MSDs during the past 12 months (p value <.05) were women (adjusted odds ratio = 2.52: 95% CI; 1.19-5.36), using agricultural tools (adjusted odds ratio = 4.40: 95% CI; 1.18-13.79), prolonged static postures (adjusted odds ratio = 3.81: 95% CI; 1.05-13.82), and lifting >10 kg (adjusted odds ratio = 2.87: 95% CI; 1.22-6.82).Conclusions Study results revealed older farmers had high prevalence of MSDs and various related risk factors. Occupational ergonomic issues for promoting safety awareness of agricultural risk factors among elderly farmers should be considered.