Perspectives of Poultry Slaughterhouse Workers on Musculoskeletal Health and Wellbeing Program for the Poultry Industry: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal pain (WMSP) is a common occupational disorder in the poultry slaughterhouse industry. Poultry slaughterhouse workers (PSW) reported a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal problems (WMP) with mild to moderate disability at work. Therefore, a musculoskeletal health and wellbeing intervention program (MIP) is needed for PSW in the workplace. The study aimed to explore PSW's perspectives on musculoskeletal health and well-being intervention programs in the poultry industry workplace.

Methods: Descriptive qualitative research was conducted among 26 PSW (10 men and 16 women). Data were collected with one-to-one interviews conducted in a private room by a qualified therapist. The average interview time was 33 minutes for each participant. The data was verbatim transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: The finding demonstrated four key themes emerging from the perspectives of PSW on the MIP at the workplace. The four key themes are as follows: (i) work condition, with two subthemes: characteristics of work and influencing factors to WMP, (ii) impacts of WMP on moods, (iii) self-management of symptoms and prevention of WMP, and (iv) organizational support and welfare.

Conclusion: The themes were largely interrelated and built a picture of the perspectives of PSW on MIP in the poultry industry workplace. The perfectives of PSW also helped identify content for MIP development. The study also proposed several recommendations for the musculoskeletal health and well-being of the poultry industry workforce.