Musculoskeletal disorders among workers in the cameroon railways corporation-camrail, douala, cameroon

English Title: Musculoskeletal disorders among workers in the cameroon railways corporationcamrail, douala, cameroon Background: Occupational health is considered one of the drivers of economic development. This is why occupational diseases likemusculoskeletal disorders need to be prevented. Musculoskeletal ill health is reported among workers in the rail sector whose activities involve a lot of manual operations. Very little has been documented on musculoskeletal disorders in the rail sector in Cameroon. Objective: the objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and to identify possible associated factors among workers of the Cameroon Railways Corporation (CAMRAIL), Douala. Methods: we conducted a cross sectional, analytic, observational study among workers of the Cameroon Railways Corporation (CAMRAIL). Using a structured questionnaire derived from the health and safety Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (HSENMQ) and the Dutch musculoskeletal questionnaire (DMQ), we interviewed 300 workers chosen by convenient sampling at the central health centre of CAMRAIL in Douala. We collected information on the socio-demographic and professional characteristics of the workers, the physical and psychosocial work place factors, and lastly the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the previous year in nine bodyregions. Results: the mean age of workers was 44+/- 11years with an age range of 25 to 60 years. Male workers constituted 97% of the sample population. Technical workers formed 76% of the sample. The mean number of working years was 17+/-13.8 years. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was high at 74%. The lower back region was the commonest symptom site, with 50% of workers reporting symptoms in this area. It was also the region that caused the most work incapacity. The following factors showed significant association with musculoskeletal symptoms: age [OR=1.71,95%CI:0.81- 3.58, P=0.00119], duration of employment [OR=2.55,95%CI:1.14-5.63, P=0.0003],repetitive loading[OR=2.55,95%.CI:14-5.63,P=0.025], task control [0.47, 95% CI:0,24-0.91, P=0.026], social support[OR=0.43,95% CI:0.23-87, P=0.017]. Conclusion: Most of the workers were technicians and predominantly maels.74% of thenm had musculoskeletal disorders, and age and duration of work at the corporation were found to be associated with symptoms. Key words: Prevalence, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Workplace, Ergonomics