Psychosocial risk factors for WRMSDs among agricultural workers: A scoping review

Identification of relevant psychosocial factors is crucial to managing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). A scoping review of the literature was done to determine the extant evidence regarding psychosocial factors and their association with WRMSDs among agricultural workers. Three databases were searched identifying 136 publications from 2000 to 2025. A further 27 articles were found by hand search. Twelve articles were selected for review. There is sparse and inconclusive evidence that psychosocial factors are associated with WRMSDs among agricultural workers. However, the range of psychosocial factors used in WRMSD research have been adopted from organisational models which are different to those associated with mental health outcomes in this occupational group. This study revealed the need for identifying relevant psychosocial risk factors for WRMSDs among agricultural workers. This will support future studies to determine associations of psychosocial factors with WRMSDs in this occupational group.