Musculoskeletal Pain Prevalence and Work Presenteeismamong Public Market Vendors in Tagbilaran City, Bohol

Abstract: A frequent health issue in the population of the public market vendors has been work-related musculoskeletal pain that is a result of the nature of their employment, which requires them to stand long hours, repetitive, heavy lifting, and poor ergonomics. This research was conducted to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and presenteeism among vendors in Tagbilaran City Central Public Market. This paper considers the impact of musculoskeletal pain on everyday functioning and general productivity, with reference to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and the Job Demand-Control-Support model. A quantitative descriptive-correlational design was used to collect and analyze them using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) and the Stanford Presenteeism Scale (SPS-6). The results indicate that pain prevents vendors from going about their business as usual or that there are no coping strategies. Musculoskeletal pain was common, with the highest prevalence in the right shoulder (38.9%), followed by the neck and lower back (11.1%). Musculoskeletal pain was common among 36 out of 39 respondents. Such working conditions put vendors under significant risk of developing a work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMD), which can not only lead to discomfort, but also poor productivity, elevated absenteeism, and presenteeism with resulting manifestations of health effects. The findings suggest the application of practical interventions, such as ergonomic fixation, health promotion, and policy support. The absence of these measures will allow WRMDs to persist, jeopardizing the personal and operational efficiency of supply chains.