Overall incidence of handearm musculoskeletal complaints was 25.8% in millers (vs. 5.2% in civil
workers; p < 0.001). The risk of experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms was seven times higher in
millers [vs. civil workers; odds ratio (OR) ¼ 7.10; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.03e12.50; p < 0.0001];
2.4 times higher in smoking millers (vs. smoking civil office workers; OR ¼ 2.36; 95% CI: 1.42e3.88;
p < 0.001); 3.6 times higher in millers with longer daily exposure (> 8 hours; vs. those working 8
hours; OR ¼ 3.56; 95% CI: 1.93e3.61; p ¼ 0.026); and 7.4 times higher in young millers (vs. older millers,
OR ¼ 7.39; 95% CI: 1.29e75.52; p < 0.001). Smoking, number of cigarettes, and daily exposure duration
were positively correlated with musculoskeletal complaints.
Conclusion: This study revealed a relatively high incidence of musculoskeletal complaints among African
cassava and corn millers. The use of anti-vibration protective equipment and the regulation of this
hazardous occupation may reduce the burden of musculoskeletal disorders in millers.