Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among workers in the automobile manufacturing industry in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have become one of the major occupational health problems. Lots of auto workers in China are exposed to WMSDs. However, there are few systematic review and meta-analysis about WMSDs in this field. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of WMSDs among these workers. METHODS: This study was carried out using the Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses method under the most up to date PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was conducted for studies on the epidemiology of WMSDs among auto workers in China from inception to August 2022, using English and Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, China Biology Medicine Disc, China Science and Technology Journal Database, PubMed, and Web of Science). All statistical analyses were performed using STATA V.16.0. RESULTS: Out of the 849 references identified, 26 articles were were eligible for inclusion, of which 12 reported the overall 12-month prevalence of WMSDs, while 14 stated the 12-month prevalence of WMSDs on body regions. The overall 12-month prevalence rate of WMSDs among workers was 53.1% [95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 46.3% to 59.9%]. The lower back/waist was the body region affected most (36.5%, 95%CI = 28.5% to 44.5%). The definition on WMSDs of “Chinese version” resulted in a high prevalence of WMSDs. Obesity, high educational level, long job tenure, female, logistic workers, and foundry workers are factors that led to a high prevalence rate of WMSDs in the lower back/waist. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a high prevalence rate of WMSDs among auto workers in China. Thus, it is necessary to pay particular stress to them. Several effective measures should be taken to prevent these workers from WMSDs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This review was registered on PROSPERO (registration number CRD42023467152). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-023-16896-x.