Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Morbidity Among the Fishing Population of Pulicat, Tamil Nadu: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Fishing is a physically demanding occupation involving repetitive movements, heavy lifting, prolonged standing, and unstable working conditions, predisposing workers to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Community-based evidence from traditional fishing populations in Tamil Nadu is limited. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 125 fishermen aged ≥18 years engaged in fishing for at least one year. Participants were selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire, and musculoskeletal symptoms were assessed using the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were computed, and associations were analyzed using the chi-squared test with statistical significance set at p≤0.05. Results: The majority of participants were male (76.8%) and aged ≥40 years (60%), with most having >10 years of fishing experience (80.8%) and working >8 hours per day (68.8%). Musculoskeletal pain was highly prevalent, particularly in the lower back (83.2%), shoulders (73.6%), and knees (70.4%) over the past 12 months. Longer working hours (>8 hours/day) and greater duration of fishing (>10 years) were significantly associated with increased prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, especially in the lower back and knees. Male participants also reported significantly higher prevalence of shoulder and lower back pain. Conclusion: Musculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among fishermen in Pulicat, predominantly affecting the lower back, shoulders, and knees. Prolonged working hours and extended occupational exposure are key associated factors. These findings highlight the need for targeted ergonomic interventions, structured occupational health education, and inclusion of fisherfolk in occupational health and social protection programs to mitigate the burden of musculoskeletal morbidity and improve overall work capacity.