Migrant status and musculoskeletal complaints in greenhouse horticulture: integrating physical and psychosocial factors.

BACKGROUND

Agricultural work involves high physical demands and organizational and psychological factors that increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, especially in environments such as greenhouse horticulture. Migrant workers face additional vulnerabilities stemming from precarious working conditions and reduced access to preventive resources. The aim of this study was to compare functional capacity, musculoskeletal complaints, and psychosocial outcomes between migrant and non-migrant workers engaged in greenhouse horticultural production.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 146 agricultural workers employed in greenhouse horticultural production in the Basque Country (Spain). Cardiorespiratory fitness, lower-limb strength, musculoskeletal complaints using the Standardised Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) and perceived stress and anxiety were compared between migrant and non-migrant workers.

RESULTS

Musculoskeletal complaints were lower in migrants workers in both sexes (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was identified between depressive symptoms and musculoskeletal complaints. A multivariable regression model showed that being migrant, lower depressive symptom scores, greater handgrip strength, and higher work ability were associated with lower musculoskeletal complaint levels (R2 =0.574).

CONCLUSION

Musculoskeletal complaints among greenhouse agricultural workers are not explained solely by physical workload. Migrant status, psychological well-being, muscular strength, and work ability are independently associated with musculoskeletal complaints.