Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Risk Factors Among Leather Factory Workers in Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background The leather industry is a significant economic sector in Tamil Nadu, contributing over 40% of India's leather exports. However, leather factory workers face substantial occupational health risks due to chemical exposures, repetitive tasks, and poor ergonomic conditions. Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and identify associated risk factors among leather factory workers in the Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2024 among 300 workers from 10 randomly selected leather factories. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and the Modified Nordic Questionnaire. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests, odds ratios, and logistic regression using SPSS v25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, USA). Results The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was 243 (81%). Significant risk factors identified through logistic regression included age >30 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.62, 95% CI: 1.24-3.85, p=0.03) and illiteracy (AOR=2.98, 95% CI: 1.43-6.20, p=0.003). Alarming workplace conditions were observed, with 213 (71%) workers not using personal protective equipment, 230 (76.7%) exposed to leather dust, and 191 (63.7%) working in poorly ventilated environments. Conclusion The high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders necessitates immediate occupational health interventions, including ergonomic modifications, mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE), improved ventilation, worker education programs, and regular health surveillance targeting high-risk workers.