PREVALENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISCOMFORT IN WRIST AND FINGERS AMONG FABRIC DRESS CUTTERS

Abstract

Background: Fabric dress cutting is a physically demanding activity in the garment industry, involving repetitive wrist and finger movements under poor ergonomic conditions. These contribute to musculoskeletal discomfort, particularly in the hands. The Indian subcontinent, with its large textile workforce, reports a high prevalence of Cutting-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRMSDs).

Objective: To assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort in the wrist and fingers among fabric dress cutters and identify contributing ergonomic and occupational factors.

Methods: A non-experimental, cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 fabric dress cutters from textile shops in Chengalpattu district. Participants were selected through convenient sampling with one year of experience and 8 hours working per day . Data were collected using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, focusing specifically on wrist and finger regions.

Outcome Measure:  Prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort was measured through self-reported pain frequency, intensity, and its interference with daily activities. Discomfort levels in specific hand regions were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results:79.2% of participants reported discomfort, with the right hand showing greater symptoms particularly in Area E (35.11%) and Area C (26.90%) due to dominant hand overuse. The left hand showed lower discomfort, with Area A (21.54%) being the most affected. Contributing factors included poor ergonomics, prolonged static posture, and lack of ergonomic training.

Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of CRMSDs among fabric dress cutters, especially in the dominant hand. Ergonomic interventions, training in posture, and preventive strategies are urgently needed to enhance worker health and productivity.