Investigating the Association Between Waterpipe/Cigarette Smoking and Incidence of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Tobacco smoking is an essential factor that affects people’s quality of life. Numerous studies have suggested that tobacco smoking has considerable harmful effects on the musculoskeletal system. In addition, it has a high prevalence in Hormozgan Province, Iran. Accordingly, this research investigates the consumption of tobacco products and its relationship with the prevalence of symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders in service workers of Bandar Abbas City, Iran. 

This was a descriptive-analytical epidemiological study with cross-sectional data. The population comprised 351 urban service workers employed in Bandar Abbas City, Iran. In the present research, musculoskeletal disorders over the past 12 months were investigated using the Nordic questionnaire in each of the nine body parts.

The mean age of the participants was 37.66±7.9 years. More than half of the studied population (52%) smoked tobacco, and all of them experienced more musculoskeletal problems compared to the other group. Musculoskeletal disorders in tobacco smokers showed a significant difference in four parts of the body, including the elbow, lower back, hip, and knees, with P<0.05 when compared to individuals who did not smoke tobacco.

Individuals who smoked tobacco experienced higher pain in their muscles and bones compared to the other group, which can arise from the adverse effects of tobacco products on muscles, tendons, cartilage, and ligaments. Hence, suitable policies and plans are required to prevent and reduce tobacco consumption in the province, especially in occupations that are susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders.