Exploring The Pathways Of Various Risk Factors Influencing Musculoskeletal Disorders In Dockworkers: Evidence From Soekarno Hatta Port, Makassar
Abstract
Objectives: Dockworkers are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders as a result of the cumulative effects of various interacting factors, ranging from personal attributes to the demands of the job itself. These factors can trigger physical fatigue, which acts as a mediator in the onset of musculoskeletal disorders. Understanding the relationships between these variables is essential in preventing long-term health consequences for port workers.
Methods: This study employed an analytical observational design with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consisted of 113 active dockworkers at Soekarno-Hatta Port. The causal relationships between the independent variables (age, length of service, working posture, and physical workload), the intervening variable (fatigue), and the dependent variable (musculoskeletal disorders) were analysed using path analysis with the assistance of AMOS version 24 software.
Results: The path analysis results indicated that, among the four independent variables—age, length of service, working posture, and physical workload—only physical workload had a significant direct effect on fatigue (β = 0.086; p = 0.011). Although physical workload did not have a direct effect on musculoskeletal disorders, it exerted an indirect effect through fatigue, which acted as a mediator due to its significant influence on musculoskeletal disorders. Furthermore, the musculoskeletal disorder variable, as the final endogenous variable, showed significant relationships with age, length of service, and working posture, indicating that it serves as the end node receiving influences from various pathways within this model related to musculoskeletal disorders.
Conclusions: These results indicate that there is an indirect effect of physical workload on the development of musculoskeletal disorders, mediated by workers' fatigue. Meanwhile, the variables of age, length of service, and working posture have a direct effect on the onset of musculoskeletal disorders.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Rais Munajat, Atjo Wahyu, Syamsiar S. Russeng, M. Furqaan Naiem, Masyitha Muis, Irwandy, Wahyudi Hidayat
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