Cumulative work duration and multisystem health burdens among informal sandstone workers in Thailand
Pornthip Yenjai, Nisita Sroithong, Chan Pattama PolyongBackground
Informal sandstone workers are exposed to multiple occupational hazards, yet evidence on their combined multisystem health effects remains limited.
Objective
To examine associations of cumulative work duration, occupational factors, and health behaviors with musculoskeletal, respiratory, dermatologic, and auditory symptoms among informal sandstone workers.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 92 informal sandstone workers in Northeastern Thailand. Data were collected using structured interviews covering demographic, behavioral, occupational, and health characteristics. Cumulative work duration was calculated from years of employment, months worked per year, and daily working hours. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with system-specific symptoms.
Results
Musculoskeletal symptoms were the most prevalent (89.1%), followed by respiratory (60.9%), auditory (47.8%), and dermatologic symptoms (41.3%). High cumulative work duration was significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms (aOR = 6.21, 95% CI = 1.02–37.76). Male workers had lower odds of respiratory symptoms compared with female workers (aOR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.06–0.68). Higher noise sensitivity scores were significantly associated with auditory symptoms (aOR = 3.65, 95% CI = 1.73–7.70).
Conclusions
Cumulative occupational workload, sex differences, and noise sensitivity were associated with multisystem health symptoms among informal sandstone workers. Integrated occupational health interventions are needed to reduce long-term health risks in informal quarry settings.