Stress and psychosocial factors among office workers in Sétif (Algéria).

Abstract

In recent decades, the computer has become a working tool more and more used especially in office work. Various studies have shown an increase in the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among this category of workers. This study examined the interrelationships between psychosocial factors, stress at work and MSDs in a population of 214 office workers. The study was done by questionnaire during the annual medical examination by a doctor in charge of this professional category. The results show that musculoskeletal disorders are significantly more frequent among computer users who also appear much more stressed than their colleagues who do not use this computer tool. Although the results show a significant relationship between psychosocial factors at work, stress at work and musculoskeletal problems, the job demand appears as the psychosocial factor that possesses the greatest weight in the evaluation of stress at work, unlike the control job that appears to have a moderating effect. In this study, we note that work-related stress is the result of a high job demand combined with a low job control. Stress at work would, therefore, be a mediator between psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal disorders. As for social support, it appears that this relational dimension would be a moderating factor in the development of MSDs.