Understanding musculoskeletal symptoms in small-scale dairy employment: insights from a cross-sectional epidemiological study in Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Background: The increased demand of dairy products in the urban areas is encouraging an increase in uptake of dairy as an occupation. Thus, this ownership generates a silent demand for task specialization, work efficiency and working hours. This study was done with the objective of bringing out the nexus between dairy work and different musculoskeletal symptoms reported in these dairy workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted from September 2018 to August 2020, among 360 small-scale dairy workers of Bhubaneswar in whom work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and its association with type of work done at dairy farm were assessed, using a pretested semi-structured, mixed questionnaire along with a hand symptom questionnaire. Results: 96.7% workers reported MSS in any anatomical site while 88.4% reported MSS in ≥2 sites. There was strong association between type of work at dairy farm and MSS among dairy workers (aOR 3.44; 95%CI: 1.03-5.86; p=0.045). Conclusions: Musculoskeletal symptoms are prevalent among dairy workers due to repetitive tasks, heavy lifting, inappropriate postures, and prolonged time of standing and is more prevalent among those doing parlor work.