Triple Health Burden in the Garment Industry: A Study on Musculoskeletal Disorders, Visual Strain, and Psychological Stress Among Female RMG Workers in Bangladesh

Background: Female workers in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry face significant occupational health risks due to prolonged manual labor, repetitive tasks, and challenging work environments. Objective: This study investigates the prevalence and interrelation of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), visual strain, and psychological stress among female RMG workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 female workers from two garment factories in Savar, Bangladesh, between July and December 2024. Data were collected using structured questionnaires that assessed MSDs with the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, visual strain symptoms adapted from the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire, and psychological stress using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, logistic regression, and correlation analyses. Results: The prevalence of MSDs was 76.0%, with lower back pain reported by 63.0% of participants. Visual strain affected 69.0% of workers, commonly manifesting as headaches (55.0%) and blurred vision (51.3%). Moderate to high psychological stress was observed in 83.0% of respondents. A longer work duration (>6 years) was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of MSD (OR = 2.15, p = 0.012) and increased psychological stress (ρ = 0.33, p = 0.001). Nearly half (47.0%) experienced all three health burdens concurrently. Conclusion: Female RMG workers in Bangladesh experience a high triple burden of MSDs, visual strain, and psychological stress, particularly those with prolonged employment. Workplace interventions addressing ergonomic, visual, and mental health are urgently needed to improve the health and well-being of this vulnerable workforce.