“Coming of Age”: Strategy for Care of Musculoskeletal Diseases of Farmers in Damb’ri Commune, Bao Loc City, Lam Dong Province

Musculoskeletal diseases are one of the most prevalent chronic diseases globally, including in Vietnam, which can cause complications that adversely impact health, reduce the quality of life, and even result in serious long- term consequences, as well as significant health and economic burdens. In Lam Dong province, environmental factors, climate change, the agricultural production environment, and prolonged exposure to chemicals have affected farmers’ health. The article describes the musculoskeletal disease strategy among farmers who practice mulberry cultivation in Damb’ri commune, Bao Loc city, Lam Dong province. All data were extracted from a study titled “Health seeking behavior of farmers at Damb’ri commune, Bao Loc city, Lam Dong province,”1 employing a mixed research method and purposeful sampling. The research included 200 quantitative survey questionnaires and 30 in-depth interviews conducted from December 2024 to January 2025, with all collections adhering to ethical principles. This article used 20 in-depth interviews with farmers aged 60 and above who self-reported musculoskeletal diseases. The data analysis was processed using Kleinman’s pluralism health system framework. The findings indicate that the causes of musculoskeletal diseases include physical aging and the characteristics of farming work, which are two common causes alongside others. Regarding health care, there is a growing trend towards using Western medicine, and modern medical facilities reflect the professionalization of health care, but natural methods such as utilizing medicinal plants, limiting pesticides, and using safe food are recognized care methods in the community. Based on these results, while the orthodox health system (biomedical sector) is increasingly preferred, folk medical practices (folk sector) still play a significant supportive role. It is essential for public health policies to focus not only on disease treatment but also on environmental factors and working conditions as integral components of disease prevention strategies.