JOB SATISFACTION AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG BUTCHERS IN DHAKA CITY, BANGLADESH

Authors: Tasdidaa Shamsi, Qazi Fahad & Zaheed Husein Md Al-Din

ABSTRACT

The meat-cutting trade is a big part of Muslim-majority Bangladesh. Not much attention has been given to the musculoskeletal disorder and job content of butchers. There are approximately seven to eight thousand trained butchers who are skilled in the two big cities Bangladeshi cities of Dhaka and Chittagong. Five thousand of them are half-trained and two to three thousand butchers are just starting the profession. There are around thirty-five thousand seasonal butchers who otherwise work as night guards, rickshaw pullers, day laborers, etc. The outcome of musculoskeletal disorder and job content was assessed, with the exposures of the participant to the psychosocial work-related factors adjusted for socio-economic conditions in this cross-sectional study with data from 124 butchers using the Job Content Questionnaire and Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. The independent factors are musculoskeletal disorders and job content which is dependent on the psychosocial job-related factors, adjusted for socio-economic conditions. 60%, 61%, 62%, and 51% butcher visited doctors for wrist problems, back pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain respectively. 31% were satisfied by recognition from peers. 61% were satisfied with job security though 63% does not want their son to join the profession.  45% stated that they do not have access to primary healthcare as facilities are quite far. The study showed that as the butchers have to sit all day, the most affected part of their bodies is the upper part. They seem content with the job as due to their low level of education, they do not have alternatives to go to. Findings will help in developing materials for having a more satisfied individual in the profession. Tailor-made directions for ergonomically designed workplaces can be developed. Educating these individuals may help them choose alternatives in case of discontentment.

Keywords: butchers, psychosocial factors, musculoskeletal disorders, job content.

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