Isabel Masson Palacios

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are the most common occupational disease worldwide, frequently affecting agricultural workers due to the physical demands of their labor activities. In this context, a descriptive, relational, cross-sectional study was conducted in rural communities of Loja, Ecuador, with the aim of determining the prevalence of MSDs and their relationship with sociodemo-graphic and occupational factors among agricultural workers. The sample consisted of 103 farmers who completed the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (NMQ). The results showed a high prevalence of MSDs in this population, with symptoms reported over the past 12 months, particularly in the neck, lower back, and knees. Furthermore, a statis-tically significant association was observed between the presence of MSDs and BMI. In conclusion, MSDs represent a frequent health problem among farmers, highlighting the need to implement preventive strategies and occupational health promotion programs in rural communities.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) and musculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among agricultural workers. However, there is limited epidemiological evidence from rural regions of Ecuador, where working and living conditions may differ substantially from those in other settings. This study aimed to identify predictors of LBP among farmers in rural Ecuador to inform locally relevant prevention strategies. Methods: Participants aged 30 to 60 years (n = 103) were recruited through a traveling health clinic. Participants were assessed with behavioral and sociodemographic self-report questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Low back pain (LBP) was assessed using the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, which asked about symptoms experienced in the past 12 months. Bivariate (Chi-square and Fisher exact tests) and multivariate (binary logistic regression) analyses were conducted to explore associations between risk factors and LBP in individuals aged 30 to 60 years. Results: LBP was highly prevalent, affecting 78.6% of participants. Behavioral patterns were mixed, with low rates of smoking and moderate alcohol and coffee consumption associated with LBP. A normal body mass index (BMI) was observed in 66% of the sample, and over half reported stable mood and good self-perceived health. In the binary logistic regression analysis, only education level significantly predicted LBP, with secondary education acting as a protective factor. Conclusions: While lower back pain was widespread in the population studied, most risk factors that were analyzed were not significantly associated with its presence.

Background : The global phenomenon of increasing older adult populations is evident across diverse societies, including historically youthful middle- and low-income countries. Conducting population-specific research in low- and middle-income countries becomes imperative to gather pertinent evidence for crafting interventions tailored to the unique needs of each group. In this context, the present study centers on aging and frailty within rural communities situated in the Province of Loja, Ecuador, with the primary objective to analyze the aging process and assess the level of frailty, contributing valuable insights to scientific knowledge in this domain and establishing a robust foundation for future targeted health interventions. Methods : The study, conducted in rural communities of Calvas and Gonzanamá counties in the Province of Loja, Ecuador, in individuals aged 55 and older, utilized mobile stations set up for health evaluations over a two-week period in June-July 2023. A total of 269 participants underwent extensive measurements, including anthropometrics, blood samples, and assessments of physical and cognitive function. The study covered sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health-related measures, along with mental health evaluations, quality of life, functional status, and global cognition, utilizing validated scales. Results : A total of 269 individuals, mostly women (56.1%), aged 70.1 on average, participated in the study. Predominantly mestizo (93.7%), participants maintained healthy lifestyles, with minimal smoking (4.1%) and alcohol consumption (7.4%). While physical performance results indicated overall well-being, anxiety and depression levels were concerning, affecting approximately 75% of participants. No significant gender differences were observed in physical performance, independence, cognition, anxiety, depression, or well-being. Conclusion : The ECUAging study will provide detailed clinical data and will substantially contribute to new information on the predictors of aging, senescence, and senility, particularly in frail and pre-frail outpatients from rural areas of Ecuador.