Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Coconut Tappers in Managing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Occupational Accidents

Abstract

Introduction: In an effort to improve occupational safety and health for coconut tappers, it is essential to implement strategic public health measures. Coconut tappers are at risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and occupational accidents, which necessitate appropriate prevention and control strategies. This study aimed to assess and implement measures to enhance the occupational safety and health of coconut tappers in Wonosobo District, Central Java, Indonesia, with a primary focus on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of coconut tappers regarding the interventions provided, which include simple stretching, BSM acupressure, and the use of safety harnesses.
Methods: This study was conducted between January 2024 and June 2024 to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to the interventions provided in the form of simple stretching, BSM acupressure, and the use of safety harnesses among coconut tappers in Wonosobo Regency. The assessment was accompanied by training in simple stretching, BSM acupressure, and the use of safety harnesses in the workplace. Evaluations were conducted before and after the training to assess the potential impact of these interventions. Using SPSS version 25, a t-test was conducted to analyze the data, revealing significant differences (p < 0.05) in hand dimensions and strength assessments between the two genders. These results highlight the need for surgical tools that are configurable and adaptive to meet the ergonomic requirements of all users, especially considering that many instruments are predominantly designed for larger male hands.
Results: The results of the simple stretching interventions, BSM acupressure, and the use of safety harnesses can statistically improve the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of coconut sugar tappers in minimizing the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and workplace accidents. When examining the mean difference values after the interventions, the intervention group showed a greater mean difference than the control group. Specifically, after 4 weeks of intervention, the increase in mean difference values for the intervention group compared to the control group was as follows: knowledge +2.35, attitude +5.38, and practice +6.76.
Conclusion: Occupational safety and health interventions, including simple stretching, BSM acupressure, and the use of safety harnesses, are considered effective and can be implemented to improve the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of coconut tappers.