Work-related Physical Factors Research Articles

Associations between work-related factors and sickness presenteeism: a prospective study using the national French working conditions survey

ObjectivesThe objectives were to assess the prospective associations between work-related factors, including psychosocial and physical work factors and working time/hours factors, and sickness presenteeism alone or combined with sickness absence.MethodsThe...

Prevalence of work-related physical and psychosocial risks factors: a cross-sectional study of social welfare workers in Brazil.

In Brazil, social service employees are exposed to poor work conditions, mental strain, and there is a lack of workforce, which contributes for the accumulation of tasks and to work overload. To describe the prevalence of socioeconomic and occupational characteristics, working conditions and self-reported health of social service employees; and verify the relationship between working conditions and the workers self-reported health. The cross-sectional study evaluated sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, lifestyle and health information of social service employees; and used the Working Environment Assessment Protocol to assess their working conditions. The data was analyzed descriptively and by the chi-square test. A total of 41 employees participated in this study, which corresponds to 60.3% of the total number of social service employees in the city. The majority was female (65.9%), aged 40.72 (standard deviation = 14.83), more than 8 years of schooling (82.9%), and occupying higher level functions (psychologists and social workers). Regarding health characteristics, 56.1% of participants practiced physical activities; 70.7% evaluated their own health as good or very good; and 43.9% related musculoskeletal pain. Not having a dining room; and temperature, ventilation, equipment, material resources and furniture were the most reported working conditions as inadequate. There was also an association between episodes of aggression and insecurity with self-perception of health. The results suggest that there could be a relationship between precarious working conditions and health. Specifically, this study indicated an association between poor working conditions and negative self-perception of health, insecurity and episodes of violence at work.

HUBUNGAN INDEKS MASSA TUBUH DAN JENIS KELAMIN DENGAN DERAJAT KEPARAHAN CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME DI RSUD KOTA MATARAM

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common disorder with symptoms involving the median nerve. The risk factors for the occurrence of CTS are grouped into individual and physical factors related to work. Individual factors consisted of a history of diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, age and gender. In addition, there are work-related physical factors, namely work with repetitive hand movements, gripping or clamping work with force, abnormal postures on the wrist for a long time. Purpose to determine the relationship between BMI and gender with the degree of severity of CTS in Mataram City Hospital. Observational analytic quantitative research with a cross-sectional study design. The sampling technique used a random sampling technique of 34 samples. The research was conducted at the Mataram City Hospital, from November to December 2022. The data obtained was analyzed using the spermaman rank test. Results of the 34 study samples, there were 8 people (23.5%) with BMI < 24.9 kg/m2 and, 26 people (76.5%) with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. A total of 13 men (38.2%) and 21 women (61.8%) suffered from CTS. The value of p = 0.001 (p <0.05) with a correlation value of 0.528 for the relationship between BMI and the severity of CTS, and p = 0.001 (p <0.05) with a correlation value of 0.531 for the relationship between gender and the severity of CTS . There is a significant relationship between BMI and gender with the degree of severity of CTS in Mataram City Hospital.

Can workplace intervention prolong work life of older workers? A quasi-experimental study

BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the impact of a workplace senior program intervention on early exit from labor market and on the disability retirement among older employees and work-related physical factors associated with it.MethodsA total of 259 individuals aged 55 + years participated in the study (107 in intervention and 152 were controls). A questionnaire survey was conducted among Finnish food industry employees between 2003 and 2009 and the intervention “senior program” was provided between 2004 and 2009. The type of pension for the respondents who had retired by 2019 was obtained and dichotomized as statutory vs. early labor market exit. Disability pension was investigated as a separate outcome. Information on work-related factors was obtained from the survey. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) with their 95% confidence intervals.ResultsFifty-one employees had early labor market exit. Of them, 70% (n = 36) were control participants. Employees in the senior program worked for longer years (mean years 7.4, 95% CI 6.4–8.1) compared to the control (6.6, 95% CI 6.3–7.5). Sixty percent lower risk of early labor market exit (HR 0.40, 95% CI 0.19–0.84) and disability pension was found among employees in the senior program compared to the control group. Good work ability had a 94% lower risk (0.06, 95% CI 0.01–0.29) of early labor market exit and 85% lower risk (0.15, 95% CI 0.03–0.73) of disability pension compared to poor work ability. Employees with musculoskeletal pain had 4 times higher risk of disability pension compared to those without musculoskeletal pain.ConclusionsA workplace senior program intervention prolonged work life and had positive effect on reducing disability pension among older industrial workers.

Time Course and Risk Profile of Work-Related Neck Disability: A Longitudinal Latent Class Growth Analysis

ObjectiveGiven the economic burden of work-related neck pain and disability, it is important to understand its time course and associated risk factors to direct better management strategies. This study aimed to identify the 1-year trajectories of work-related neck disability in a high-risk occupation group such as sonography and to investigate which baseline biopsychosocial factors are associated with the identified trajectories.MethodsA longitudinal study was conducted among 92 sonographers with neck disability assessed at 3 time points—baseline, 6 months, and 12 months—using the Neck Disability Index. Baseline biopsychosocial measures included individual characteristics (demographics and physical activity levels), work-related physical and psychosocial factors (eg, ergonomic risk, workplace social support, job satisfaction), general psychological features (depression, anxiety, pain catastrophizing, and fear-avoidance beliefs), and quantitative sensory testing of somatosensory function (cold and pressure pain thresholds at neck and tibialis anterior, and temporal summation).ResultsTwo distinct trajectories of neck disability were identified, including a “low-resolving disability” trajectory showing slow improvement toward no disability (64.8%) and a “moderate-fluctuating disability” trajectory characterized by persistent moderate disability with a small fluctuation across time (35.2%). The trajectory of moderate-fluctuating disability was associated with more severe symptoms, lower vigorous physical activity, higher ergonomic risk, remote cold hyperalgesia, widespread mechanical hyperalgesia, heightened pain facilitation, and several psychosocial factors such as anxiety, depression, lower job satisfaction, and lower workplace social support at baseline.ConclusionOver one-third of sonographers were at risk of developing a moderate-fluctuating disability trajectory. This unfavorable trajectory was associated with low physical activity level, poor ergonomics, psychosocial distress, and central sensitization at baseline.ImpactThis study has important implications for the management of neck disability in workers. Addressing modifiable factors including low vigorous physical activity, poor ergonomics, anxiety, depression, and lack of workplace social support may improve the trajectory of work-related neck disability.

The association between work-related physical and psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare workers: Moderating role of fear of movement.

ObjectivesKnowledge is lacking on the interaction between fear of movement (FOM) and work‐related physical and psychosocial factors in the development and persistence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, 305 healthcare workers from several Belgian hospitals filled out a questionnaire including sociodemographic factors, work‐related factors (social support, autonomy at work, workload, and physical job demands), FOM, and MSDs for different body regions during the past year. Path analysis was performed to investigate (1) the association between the work‐related factors, FOM and MSDs, and (2) the moderating role of FOM on the association between the work‐related factors and MSDs among healthcare workers.ResultsComplaints were most frequently located at the neck–shoulder region (79.5%) and lower back (72.4%). Physical job demands (odds ratio [OR] 2.38 and 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.52–3.74), autonomy at work (OR 1.64 CI [1.07–2.49]) and FOM (OR 1.07 CI [1.01–1.14] and OR 1.12 CI [1.06–1.19]) were positively associated with MSDs. Healthcare workers who experienced high social support at work (OR 0.61 CI [0.39–0.94]) were less likely to have MSDs. Fear of movement interacted negatively with workload (OR 0.92 CI [0.87–0.97]) and autonomy at work (OR 0.94 CI [0.88–1.00]) on MSDs.ConclusionsWork‐related physical and psychosocial factors as well as FOM are related to MSDs in healthcare workers. FOM is an important moderator of this relationship and should be assessed in healthcare workers in addition to work‐related physical and psychosocial factors to prevent or address MSDs.

Prevalence and risk factors of self-reported wrist and hand symptoms and clinically confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome among office workers in China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common cause of pain, numbness and tingling in the wrist and hand region and is associated with repetitive wrist and hand use in office workers. However, scarce knowledge exists about the epidemiology of clinically confirmed CTS among Chinese office workers. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of wrist/hand symptoms and CTS in office workers in China and to identify associated risk factors.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was carried out in a metropolitan city in China involving 969 respondents (aged 17–49 years) from 30 workplaces. A questionnaire was distributed to each participant to collect their demographic, work-related physical and psychosocial factors, and wrist and hand symptoms. The wrist and hand pain/numbness symptoms were marked on a body chart and the nature and intensity of symptoms, nocturnal symptoms, as well as aggravating activities were also recorded. Clinically confirmed CTS cases were screened based on the history, Phalen’s test, Tinel Sign and skin sensation testing among symptomatic respondents. Logistic regression was employed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the occurrence of self-reported wrist and hand symptoms and clinically confirmed CTS.ResultsThe clinically confirmed CTS prevalence was 9.6%. The prevalence of wrist and hand symptoms were 22 and 15%, respectively. Frequently working in pain was associated with higher odds of CTS. Multivariate modelling adjusted for age and gender showed that prolonged computer use time and working without breaks were associated with presence of wrist/hand symptoms (adjusted ORs: 1.11 (95% CI 1.02–1.22) and 1.88 (95% CI 1.12–3.14)). Educational level was inversely associated with CTS and smoking was associated with wrist/hand complaints (adjusted OR: 2.20 (95% CI 1.19–4.07)).ConclusionsThe prevalence of work-related clinically confirmed CTS symptoms among young office workers in China is high. Frequently working in pain is closely associated with clinically confirmed CTS. Intense computer use and no breaks at work are associated with wrist and hand symptoms.

Occupational differences in disability retirement due to a shoulder lesion: do work-related factors matter?

ObjectiveTo identify occupations with a high risk of disability retirement due to a shoulder lesion and to examine the effect of physical and psychosocial work-related factors on occupational differences in disability retirement.MethodsWe followed Finnish wage earners aged 30–59 years (n = 1,135,654) from 2005 to 2014 for full disability retirement due to a shoulder lesion. The work-related exposures were assessed with job exposure matrices. We calculated age-adjusted incidence rates and hazard ratios to test for the association between occupation and disability retirement due to a shoulder lesion. We also examined the contribution of work-related exposures to the excess risk of disability retirement.ResultsAs compared to professionals, the age-adjusted risk of disability retirement was increased among men in all occupational groups except managers and customer service clerks and among women in several occupational groups. Adjustment for education attenuated the occupational differences considerably, particularly among women. The physical work-related factors fully explained the excess risk of disability retirement due to a shoulder lesion among male finance and sales associate professionals and administrative secretaries as well as among agricultural and fishery workers. In women, the physical work-related factors fully explained the excess risk among construction workers, electricians and plumbers. For both genders, the contribution of psychosocial factors to excess risk of disability retirement was modest and seen for monotonous work only.ConclusionsA reduction of the level of physical work load factors as well as monotonousness of work has a potential to prevent work disability due to a shoulder lesion.

Musculoskeletal pain in operating room nurses: Associations with quality of work life, working posture, socio-demographic and job characteristics

This cross-sectional study evaluated the association of socio-demographic and job characteristics as well as quality of work life (QWL) and working posture with the presence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) among 144 operating room (OR) nurses in Iran. A questionnaire (including the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire [NMQ] and the QWL questionnaire) and direct observations of working postures using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method were used. A high prevalence of MSP, particularly in the low back (61.9%), knees (60.5%), ankles/feet (55.8%) and neck (44.9%) were found. The overall mean REBA score of 7.7 suggested that most OR nurses (with posture assessed at action levels 3 and 4) needed an immediate investigation and changes in their working habits and workstations to reduce the risk level. Work-related factors including type of operating room, work shifts (rotating), feeling pressure due to work, total QWL and its dimensions (particularly health and safety, knowledge and esteem needs) and working postures were associated with the presence of MSP in different body regions. Socio-demographic factors including gender (being female) and little or no involvement in sport/physical activity were also independently associated with the occurrence of complaints. The findings emphasise the need for multiple component ergonomic interventions involving the socio-demographic and work-related physical and psychosocial factors for prevention of MSP in this occupational group.

The prevalence and work-related physical factors associated with knee pain in older Thai farmers.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of knee pain in older farmers and to identify the associated factors, including the demographic variables, behaviours and physical activity/exercise levels. [Participants and Methods] A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a total of 285 systematically randomized farmers who were 60 years and older. [Results] The results of this study showed that the overall prevalence of knee pain in this population was 54.04% (n=154) based on a self-reported standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The highest prevalence of knee pain was 23.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 17.75 to 30.05%] for two periods of time (within the past 7 days and over past 12 months). The intolerable physical activity risk factors that were significantly associated with knee pain included prolonged walking, standing and side sitting (odds ratio=2.39%, 95% CI: 1.06 to 5.39%). [Conclusion] The results of this study suggested that a high prevalence of knee pain in these older farmers may be particularly associated with sustaining a weight-bearing position.

The prevalence and work-related physical factors associated with knee pain in older Thai farmers

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of knee pain in older farmers and to identify the associated factors, including the demographic variables, behaviours and physical activity/exercise levels. [Participants and Methods] A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a total of 285 systematically randomized farmers who were 60 years and older. [Results] The results of this study showed that the overall prevalence of knee pain in this population was 54.04% (n=154) based on a self-reported standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The highest prevalence of knee pain was 23.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 17.75 to 30.05%] for two periods of time (within the past 7 days and over past 12 months). The intolerable physical activity risk factors that were significantly associated with knee pain included prolonged walking, standing and side sitting (odds ratio=2.39%, 95% CI: 1.06 to 5.39%). [Conclusion] The results of this study suggested that a high prevalence of knee pain in these older farmers may be particularly associated with sustaining a weight-bearing position.

A longitudinal study of work-related injuries: comparisons of health and work-related consequences between injured and uninjured aging United States adults

BackgroundAge may affect one’s susceptibility to the myriad physical hazards that may pose risks for work-related injuries. Aging workers are not only at risk for work-related injuries but, also, at even higher risk for more severe health and work-related consequences. However, limited longitudinal research efforts have focused on such injuries among the aging workforce. This study aimed to investigate the association between physical work-related factors and injuries among United States (U.S.) workers, and then compare the injured and uninjured workers with regard to consequences including, functional limitations, and reduced working hours post injury. A cohort of 7212 U.S. workers aged 50 years and above from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study were retrospectively followed from 2004 to 2014. Data on exposures were lagged by one survey wave prior to the outcome of work-related injuries and consequences, respectively. Crude and adjusted incident rate ratios, and hazard ratios were estimated using generalized estimating equations and Cox models.ResultsRisk of experiencing a work-related injury event was over two times greater among those whose job had work requirements for physical effort, lifting heavy loads, and stooping/kneeling/crouching, compared to those who did not. Over time, injured compared to uninjured workers had higher risks of functional limitations and working reduced hours.ConclusionsThe aging workforce is at a high risk of experiencing injuries. Further, injured adults were not only more likely to incur a disability prohibiting daily life-related activities, over time, but, also, were more likely to work reduced hours. It will be important to consider accommodations to minimize functional limitations that may impair resulting productivity.

REPORTED MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS AMONG LABORATORY WORKERS, IN RELATION TO INDIVIDUAL AND WORK-RELATED PHYSICAL FACTORS.

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are deliberated as an important cause of occupational disability in industrial countries. It is responsible for a high absenteeism rate from work. Laboratory technicians and biochemist are suffering from some workplace risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders such as shoulder and backache, joint pain and muscles fatigue, which are intensified by work settings. Aim of work: This study aimed to examine the musculoskeletal symptoms prevalence among the laboratory workers in relation to their individual and work-related physical factors. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 269 laboratory workers who were working in a research medical laboratory, Saudi Arabia, during the period from May to December 2016. The data were collected using a questionnaire on personal demographic characteristics, workload, and physical features at work. Both Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (DMQ) were used to evaluate the ergonomic risk factors and to study the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among the participants. Results: The study revealed that the total 12 months prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms at anybody site of the laboratory workers, preceding the study, was 52.04%. The reported musculoskeletal symptoms were mostly linked to the shoulders (33.5%), low back (27.5%), upper back (26.5%), followed by neck (23.0%). About three quarters of those who had musculoskeletal symptoms were female (p < 0.01). Among the physical work-related factors, activity necessitating exertion of arms/hands, static or awkward positions during work, long periods pipetting and repetitive tasks were significantly higher among those who reported musculoskeletal symptoms compared to those who did not. Conclusion: Nearly half of the laboratory workers reported annual prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms affecting mostly shoulders, low back, upper back and neck. Ergonomic interventions, reducing risk factors and physical exercises are recommended control measures to reduce the musculoskeletal symptoms among the laboratory workers.

Work-related physical, psychosocial and individual factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms among surgeons: Implications for ergonomic interventions

This study evaluated the effect of physical, psychosocial and individual factors on the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) among surgeons (n = 312) in Iran. Data were collected using questionnaires and analysed by multivariate logistic regression. The prevalence of MSS, particularly in the knees (48.7%), neck (45.8%), low back (42.3%) and shoulders (40.1%) was relatively high. Work-related factors including time spent on surgeries each week (>25 h/week), number of hours working in standing position per day (>4 h/day), moderate to high levels of work–family conflict, duration of each surgery (>3 h), number of years worked as a surgeon (>10 years) and surgical specialty (particularly cardiothoracic and obstetric/gynecologic surgeries) were independently associated with the presence of MSS in different body regions. Individual factors including gender (being female) and little or no involvement in sport and physical activity were also independently associated with the occurrence of complaints. Implications of the findings for further research and development work for improving the working conditions and consequently reducing MSS among this working group are discussed.

Associations between common diseases and work ability and sick leave among health care workers

PurposeThis study investigates whether common diseases, i.e., musculoskeletal diseases (MSD), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), mental disorders (MD), and respiratory diseases (RD), influence work ability and sick leave and whether lifestyle-related factors, and psychosocial and physical work-related factors are associated with low work ability and sick leave.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study among 8364 Dutch health care employees, self-reported information was acquired concerning common diseases, lifestyle-related factors, psychosocial and physical work-related factors, work ability, and sick leave. Logistic regression analyses were performed to describe the associations between common diseases with low work ability and sick leave, and to evaluate differences in associations between lifestyle-related and work-related factors with low work ability and sick leave among healthy employees and employees with common diseases.ResultsEmployees with MD (OR 6.35), CVD (OR 2.63), MSD (OR 2.62), and RD (OR 2.11) had a higher risk of low work ability compared to healthy employees. Workers with common diseases also reported more often sick leave (ORs > 1.60), in particular long-term sick leave (>25 days). Multimorbidity increased both the occurrence of low work ability and sick leave. Unfavourable psychosocial work-related factors were associated with low work ability and sick leave regardless of health status. Physical work-related factors and lifestyle factors were less consistently associated with low work ability and sick leave.ConclusionsCommon diseases, and foremost mental disorders, were related to both low work ability and sick leave. To maintain or improve work ability and prevent sick leave, interventions that promote a healthy psychosocial work environment are needed.

Work-Related Determinants of Voice Complaints Among School Workers: An Eleven-Month Follow-Up Study.

We determined the natural course of voice complaints among school workers and established the risk factors associated with incidence and chronic voice complaints. We conducted a longitudinal study with an 11-month follow-up among 682 school workers. Participants filled out a questionnaire on individual and work-related conditions and the nature and severity of voice complaints. All participants who provided baseline data were contacted in the 11-month follow-up, if they were still working in the school. Short-term environmental measurements of physical work-related factors were conducted during visits at the workplaces. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine associations between work-related factors and voice complaints. We found a high occurrence of chronic voice complaints, a low recovery of 22%, and an annual incidence of 44%. A self-reported high noise level at the workplace was associated with the incidence of voice complaints (odds ratio = 2.45). Self-reported poor acoustics in the classroom was associated with chronic voice complaints (odds ratio = 1.76). This unique longitudinal study among school workers presented some indications that self-reported high noise levels may contribute to the incidence of voice complaints, whereas self-reported poor acoustic conditions may be an important associated factor of chronic voice complaints.

The role of psychosocial and physical work-related factors on the health-related quality of life of Iranian industrial workers.

The role of psychosocial and physical work factors in predicting health related quality of life (HRQOL) has not been investigated among Iranian industrial workers. The present study is designed to assess these relationships among Iranian workers from steel and cosmetic factories. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 workers from two factories. Psychosocial and physical work factors and HRQOL were measured by the Persian translations of the following questionnaires: Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief (WHOQOL-Brief). An instrument was developed to assess socio-demographic, health, and other work-related factors. The data were analyzed using independent t-tests, Pearson product moment correlation and hierarchical multiple regression. Results revealed that the respondents generally had poor HRQOLs especially in the environmental domain. The steel factory workers who were exposed to higher levels of occupational risk factors suffered from poorer HRQOL compared to the cosmetic factory workers. The results of hierarchical regression for all participants revealed that social support, sleep quality, work schedule, smoking and exercise were significant predictors of all domains of HRQOL. To improve the worker's HRQOL, intervention programs should focus on promoting social support, sleep quality, exercise and smoking habits. Moreover, reducing hazardous work environments should be considered an important intervention to promote HRQOL.

Prevalence of back pain problems in relation to occupational group

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) constitute a persistent and ongoing public health problem in the active work population. The aim of this paper is to analyze the relationship between work-related physical and psychosocial factors and the occurrence of back pain symptoms related to the occupational group (blue and white collar workers). One thousand, four hundred, and fifty-eight workers from different sectors and socio-professional categories have participated in this study (44.5% men and 55.5% women; 24.3% blue collar workers and 75.7% white collar workers). Data was collected by the INSAT (Work and Health Questionnaire). A quantitative overview was adopted with the use of logistic regression models. The analysis was stratified for each occupational group. Apart from factors of great environmental and physical constraint, other less visible aspects played a role in the occurrence of back pain problems, namely factors linked to work organizational options, relationships with others and some specific work characteristics. Thanks to the present study it was possible to show the interaction between physical factors and psychosocial factors in both occupational groups and thus highlight the specific conditions which cause these problems in both groups of workers.

Relationship between Comorbid Health Problems and Musculoskeletal Disorders Resulting in Musculoskeletal Complaints and Musculoskeletal Sickness Absence among Employees in Korea.

BackgroundTo investigate the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and comorbid health problems, including depression/anxiety disorder, insomnia/sleep disorder, fatigue, and injury by accident, and to determine whether certain physical and psychological factors reduce comorbid health problems.MethodsIn total, 29,711 employees were selected from respondents of the Third Korean Working Conditions Survey and categorized into two groups: Musculoskeletal Complaints or Musculoskeletal Sickness Absence. Four self-reported health indicators (overall fatigue, depression/anxiety, insomnia/sleep disorder, and injury by accident) were selected as outcomes, based on their high prevalence in Korea. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to determine the relationship between comorbid health problems, musculoskeletal complaints, and sickness absence.ResultsThe prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints and musculoskeletal sickness absence due to muscular pain was 32.26% and 0.59%, respectively. Compared to the reference group, depression/anxiety disorder and overall fatigue were 5.2–6.1 times more prevalent in the Musculoskeletal Complaints Group and insomnia/sleep disorder and injury by accident were 7.6–11.0 times more prevalent in the Sickness Absence Group. When adjusted for individual and work-related physical factors, prevalence of all four comorbid health problems were slightly decreased in both groups.ConclusionIncreases in overall fatigue and depression/anxiety disorder were observed in the Musculoskeletal Complaints Group, while increases in insomnia/sleep disorder and injury by accident were observed in the Sickness Absence Group. For management of musculoskeletal complaints and sickness absence in the workplace, differences in health problems between employees with musculoskeletal complaints and those with sickness absence as well as the physical and psychological risk factors should be considered.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Thoracic Spine Pain in the Working Population: The French Pays de la Loire Study

To examine the incidence and risk factors for incident thoracic spine pain (TSP) in workers representative of a French region's working population. In this prospective study, 3,710 workers were assessed in 2002-2005, and 2,332 (62.9%) of them were reassessed in 2007-2010. TSP was assessed by a self-administered Nordic questionnaire at baseline and at followup. At baseline, all participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on personal factors and work exposure. A total of 1,886 subjects (1,124 men and 762 women) without TSP at baseline were eligible for analysis. Associations between incident TSP and risk factors at baseline were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. The incidence rate of TSP was 5.2 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 3.9-6.6) per 100 men and 10.0 (95% CI 7.8-12.1) per 100 women. TSP was often associated with low back pain and neck pain. TSP in men was associated with age (odds ratios [ORs] ranging from 2.6 [95% CI 0.95-7.1] at 30-39 years to 6.0 [95% CI 2.1-17.3] at ≥50 years), being tall (OR 2.2 [95% CI 1.2-3.9]), frequent/sustained trunk bending (OR 3.0 [95% CI 1.5-6.1]), lack of recovery period or change in the task (OR 2.0 [95% CI 1.2-3.6]), and driving vehicles (OR 2.8 [95% CI 1.4-5.5]). Being overweight or obese was associated with lower risk (OR 0.5 [95% CI 0.3-0.96]). TSP in women was associated with high perceived physical workload (OR 1.9 [95% CI 1.1-3.3]), after adjustment for confounding variables. The risk model of TSP combined personal and work-related organizational and physical factors. Trunk bending appeared to be a strong independent predictor of TSP in this working population.