Analysis of posture and carrying loads in agricultural activities performed by farm women

Abstract

DWomen are major workforce of Indian agriculture. Women are involved in various types of agricultural and allied activities. While performing these activities, women adopt awkward posture which may lead to musculoskeletal disease. Hence, the present study was planned to analyze posture of farm women during performing various agricultural and allied activities. Present study was conducted in villages of Dantiwada Taluka in Banaskantha district, Gujarat. A representative sample of 200 farm women was selected randomly from four villages. Personal and socioeconomic characteristics of farm women, activities performed by farm women and posture were studied as independent variables and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder/disease and pain amongst farm women was considered as dependent variable. An interview schedule was formed which comprised questions related to background information, personal and socio-economic variables and type of activities performed by farm women. OWAS technique was used to analyze posture of farm women. Body part discomfort scale was used to study pain or discomfort perceived by farm women during performing various agricultural and allied activities. Data were collected by personal interview technique. Descriptive type statistical tools were used such as percentage, frequency and chi-square value. Body part discomfort scale shows pain in lower back and knees amongst maximum farm women during performing weeding activity. In milking activity, palm, fingers and shoulders were affected the most. As far as cleaning of animal shed is concerned, seven and half per cent farm women had severe and very severe pain in their knees after the activity. Results of OWAS technique showed that farm women adopted poor posture while agricultural and livestock activities.