The study investigated musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) prevalence and risk factor ”obesity” for restaurant cooks in Taiwan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a convenience sample of 765 cook attendants during 2009 and the modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaires (NMQ) was used to collect the information regarding the demographic variables, occupational factors and data on subjective musculoskeletal disorders. The results of x^2 test showed that the BMI of male cooks showed a significant effect on the MSDs at ankles/feet. Nevertheless, the BMI of female cooks showed a significant effect on the MSDs at shoulders. The multiple logistic regression analysis suggested that both male with BMI ≥ 27 kg/m^2 (odds ratio, OR=2.04) and female cooks (OR=1.93) with BMI ≥ 27kg/m^2 had the higher MSDs at ankles/feet. In addition, female cooks with 24 ≤ BMI < 27kg/m^2 had the higher MSDs at shoulder (OR=2.1) and lower back (OR=1.74). In conclusion, the effect of BMI for female cooks on the MSDs is significant than for male cooks, especially at shoulder and lower back. The activity of weight control is suggested to be a good approach to prevent the MSDs of cooks.
The study investigated musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) prevalence and risk factor ”obesity” for restaurant cooks in Taiwan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a convenience sample of 765 cook attendants during 2009 and the modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaires (NMQ) was used to collect the information regarding the demographic variables, occupational factors and data on subjective musculoskeletal disorders. The results of x^2 test showed that the BMI of male cooks showed a significant effect on the MSDs at ankles/feet. Nevertheless, the BMI of female cooks showed a significant effect on the MSDs at shoulders. The multiple logistic regression analysis suggested that both male with BMI ≥ 27 kg/m^2 (odds ratio, OR=2.04) and female cooks (OR=1.93) with BMI ≥ 27kg/m^2 had the higher MSDs at ankles/feet. In addition, female cooks with 24 ≤ BMI < 27kg/m^2 had the higher MSDs at shoulder (OR=2.1) and lower back (OR=1.74). In conclusion, the effect of BMI for female cooks on the MSDs is significant than for male cooks, especially at shoulder and lower back. The activity of weight control is suggested to be a good approach to prevent the MSDs of cooks.