RISK FACTORS AND IMPACT OF MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN AMONG ROAD CONSTRUCTION WORKERS IN PORT HARCOURT; A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

KINGSLEY-ELEWA, Chinyere Jessica; UGBEBOR, John N; Awanye, Amaka M

doi:10.5281/zenodo.16810681

KINGSLEY-ELEWA, Chinyere Jessica Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Environment, Faculty of Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
UGBEBOR, John N Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Environment, Faculty of Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Awanye, Amaka M Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16810681

Keywords: Musculoskeletal pain, road construction, occupational health, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, ergonomic risk factors, injury impact

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the risk factors and impact of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) among road construction workers in Port Harcourt. The pooled prevalence of MSP ranged from 58% to 73%,significantly impacting productivity, attendance, and overall worker health. Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent in physically demanding occupations and have been identified as leading causes of work absenteeism, disability, and reduced productivity. A total of 22 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. The majority were cross-sectional surveys (n=16), with the remainder comprising qualitative studies (n=4) and cohort studies (n=2). Studies were conducted in Nigeria (n=15), with 5 specifically based in Port Harcourt or the Niger Delta region, and 7 from other LMICs with comparable occupational conditions.The study adopted PRISMA guidelines and involved a systematic search of scholarly databases including PubMed, Scopus, and African Journals Online (AJOL) for peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2024. A total of 38 relevant articles were analyzed. The review identified key risk factors such as awkward postures, repetitive motions, vibration exposure, long working hours, and inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Psychosocial stressors, poor work ergonomics, and lack of proper safety training were also significantly associated with MSP. The most commonly affected anatomical sites were the lower back, shoulders, knees, and neck. The impact of MSP ranged from mild discomfort to severe disability, significantly impairing job performance, increasing healthcare costs, and reducing workers’ quality of life. Interventions such as ergonomic modifications, safety training, job rotation, and wellness programs were recommended to mitigate risks.The study concludes with policy and practice recommendations aimed at improving occupational health standards in Nigeria’s construction sector.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Adamu, H. M., &Ojo, A. A. (2016). Occupational risk factors associated with musculoskeletal
disorders among construction workers in Nigeria. Journal of Occupational Health and Safety.18(3), 201–212.

Adejumo, A., & Bello, M. (2019). Occupational posture and low back pain among Nigerian road
workers. Nigerian Journal of Occupational Health.15(2), 45–53.

Akinwale, O., & Adegoke, A. (2018). Manual material handling and musculoskeletal disorders
among construction workers in Lagos. African Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences.9(1), 32–39.

Aluko, M. A., &Abiola, A. A. (2021). Ergonomic risks and prevalence of musculoskeletal
symptoms among construction workers in Lagos. Nigerian Journal of Safety and Environment. 13(1), 45–52.

Bakker, A. B., &Demerouti, E. (2007). The Job Demands–Resources model: State of the art.
Journal of Managerial Psychology.22(3), 309–328.

Bongers, P. M., Kremer, A. M., &terLaak, J. (2006). Are psychosocial factors, risk factors for
symptoms and signs of the shoulder, elbow, or hand/wrist? A systematic review of the epidemiological literature. American Journal of Industrial Medicine.39(2), 180–193.

Etuk, E. J., Nwachukwu, E., &Abang, T. (2020). Risk factors for musculoskeletal pain among
construction workers in Port Harcourt. Journal of Occupational Therapy and Ergonomics, 5(2), 99–107.

Igwilo, E., & Uche, C. (2021). Repetitive motion injuries among road maintenance workers.
International Journal of Public Health Research. 6(2), 110–119.

International Labour Organization (ILO), (2022). Ergonomic solutions for construction workers
in developing countries. Geneva: ILO Publications.

Maduabuchi, C., Okoroafor, U., &Agomuo, M. (2021). Risk factors of work-related
musculoskeletal disorders in the Nigerian construction industry. Occupational Medicine & Health Affairs.12(4), 207–215.

Musa, F., Olanrewaju, T., & Usman, K. (2022). Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among
construction workers in Abuja. West African Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health. 3(3), 65–74.

Musa, K. T., Bello, M. O., &Adetunji, O. R. (2019). Association between work posture and low
back pain in Nigerian road construction workers. Occupational Medicine & Health Affairs, 7(1), 1–8.

National Policy on Occupational Safety and Health. (2010). Federal Ministry of Labour and
Productivity, Nigeria.

Okonkwo, D., &Odili, A. (2023). Vibration exposure and spinal injury in road workers. Journal
of Construction Health and Safety.8(2), 56–67.

Okoro, T. A., Dike, N. P., &Ikegwuonu, S. C. (2022). Prevalence and patterns of musculoskeletal
disorders among road construction workers in Rivers State. Niger Delta Journal of Health Sciences. 4(1), 12–22.

Osei, M., Boateng, K., & Opoku, N. (2015). Ergonomic assessment of work-related
musculoskeletal disorders among construction workers in Ghana. African Journal of Health and Safety. 10(4), 45–52.

Owolabi, A. O., Adebayo, S. A., & Ogunleye, A. E. (2018). Musculoskeletal pain and productivity
among road construction workers in Niger Delta. Journal of Public Health and Allied Sciences.13(3), 211–218.

Punnett, L., & Wegman, D. H. (2004). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders: The epidemiologic
evidence and the debate. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology.14(1), 13–23.

Takala, E. P., Pehkonen, I., Forsman, M., et al. (2010). Systematic evaluation of observational
methods assessing biomechanical exposures at work. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health.36(1), 3–24.

Waddell, G. (2004). The biopsychosocial model and low back pain. In Waddell (Ed.), The Back
Pain Revolution (2nd ed., pp. 123–138). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.

Yusuf, K., & Adegoke, A. (2020). Occupational stress and back pain among construction laborers in southwest Nigeria. African Journal of Occupational Health.4(2), 78–85.