Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated sociocultural reporting behaviors in Kuwait's construction industry

Background
Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are a significant occupational health challenge in the global construction industry. Research on WMSDs in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly Kuwait, is limited. This study examines the prevalence of WMSDs among construction workers in Kuwait, an understudied country with a workforce composition similar to other GCC countries.

Objective
This study assesses the prevalence of WMSDs among construction workers in Kuwait and examines the influence of sociocultural factors on reporting behaviors.

Methods
A modified Nordic-Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), complemented by qualitative observations, was used to assess WMSDs among 117 construction workers in Kuwait. This approach provided a comprehensive understanding of both WMSD prevalence and sociocultural factors influencing reporting. Although the sample size may limit generalizability, it offers important insights into WMSDs in Kuwait.

Results
Results showed 52.14% of workers experienced pain, mainly in the lower back (34.12%) and shoulders (23.07%). Suboptimal working conditions and cultural factors like uncertainty avoidance and high power distance were noted, highlighting the interplay between physical health and cultural context in WMSD reporting.

Conclusion
This research provides valuable insights into WMSD prevalence in an understudied region and highlights the significant impact of cultural factors on health reporting. The prevalence of WMSDs in Kuwait was lower than in similar studies elsewhere, possibly due to cultural factors leading to underreporting. The findings emphasize the need for culturally sensitive occupational health policies and reporting mechanisms in Kuwait's construction industry. The study also offers guidance for managing WMSDs in other GCC countries with similar cultural and labor dynamics.