Appraised leadership styles,psychosocial work factors,and musculoskeletal pain among public employees

Objectives The main aim of this study was to explore the associations between appraised leadership styles, psychosocial work factors and musculoskeletal pain among subordinates in four different public service sectors from an epidemiological perspective. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted; data from 2,403 public sector employees in subordinate positions (86% women) were analysed. The appraised leadership styles were measured through items from a modified version of the CPE questionnaire (C change, P production/structure, E employee/relation). The structure validity of the CPE-model was examined by principal component analysis (PCA). Univariate and multivariate analyses of associations between levels of musculoskeletal pain and appraised leadership styles and with psychosocial work factors were conducted. Odds ratios (ORs) with confidence intervals (CIs) of 95% were used as a measure of associations. Results There were small variations in the appraisals of the immediate manager among the subordinates. However, the associations between musculoskeletal pain and leadership styles varied according to sector. Poor appraisals (low scores) on “change” and “employee relation” dimensions were associated with high levels of musculoskeletal pain in two sectors: home and health care services. In the domestic catering services, poor appraisals of managers in the “production/structure” dimension had the strongest association with high levels of pain. In general, poor appraisals of the “change” dimension was most strongly associated with high levels of musculoskeletal pain. “High work demands” had the strongest association with high levels of pain, particularly among the men. Conclusions Poor appraisals of managers and their leadership styles were associated with high levels of musculoskeletal pain among both female and male subordinates in different public service sectors. There is therefore a great need of further studies of the mechanisms behind the relationships between the leadership styles and their impact on health among the genders.     

Gender differences in psychosocial influence and rehabilitation outcomes for work-disabled individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate gender differences in rehabilitation outcomes and how psychosocial factors may interact to influence rehabilitation outcome in work-disabled with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Methods: One hundred and sixty eight (n=168) persons (mean age = 45.5/SD=9.0) participating in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program, were included. Data on pain, functional health and psychosocial factors were collected previous to treatment, after 5 week intensive training and after 52 week follow-up period. Demographics, socio-economics and data on personal characteristics were also collected. Results: Significant (p<.05) gender differences were found on sleeplessness, meaningfulness and manageability. No significant gender differences were found on pain or functional health status variables. Gender differences (p<.001) were found in how socio-demographic and psychosocial factors influence rehabilitation outcomes in terms of functional health status. Conclusions: These data suggests that knowledge of gender differences and the way psychosocial factors influence rehabilitation outcomes must be taken into account in designing rehabilitation intervention.     

Gender differences in upper extremity musculoskeletal complaints in the working population

Objectives: This study analysed the association between gender and upper extremity musculoskeletal complaints, among the general working population and in various occupational groups. The hypothesis was tested whether the higher risk for women in the general working population for these complaints could partly be explained by differences in the distribution of men and women in occupations with different risks for the onset of upper extremity musculoskeletal complaints. Methods: The data for this study came from cross-sectional questionnaire data from 16,874 employees categorised in 21 different occupational classes. Associations between gender and complaints of the upper extremities were analysed for the total study sample and for each occupational class separately. An adjustment was made for the variable `occupational class' in the final model in order to study the impact of occupational gender segregation on gender differences in upper extremity complaints in the working population. Results: In the total study sample, significantly higher risks of complaints of the neck, shoulder, elbow, and wrist among the women were observed. Within many occupational classes, women reported significantly higher risks than did men, in particular for complaints of the neck and shoulder. Adjustment for occupational class showed increased risks for female workers for complaints of the neck, shoulder, elbow, and wrist, hence, rejecting our hypothesis on occupational gender segregation as an explanation for the higher risks for upper extremity complaints among women in the general working population. Conclusions: This study confirmed the presence of gender differences in upper extremity musculoskeletal complaints among the working population and in many occupational classes, with female workers having the higher risk. The results, however, do not lend support to a differential occupational exposure theory as an explanation for the higher risks for these complaints among women in the general working population. Careful consideration of gender influence in ergonomic epidemiological studies is recommended. Received: 16 February 2000 / Accepted: 10 June 2000     

Differences in physical workload,psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal disorders between two groups of female hospital cleaners with two diverse organizational models

Objectives To clarify if differences in the physical workload, the psychosocial factors and in musculoskeletal disorders can be attributed to work organizational factors. Methods The physical workload (muscular activity of m. trapezius, positions and movements of the head, upper arms and wrists and heart rate) was assessed in 24 female hospital cleaners working in a traditional work organization (TO) and in 22 working in an extended one (i.e. with an enlarged work content and more responsibilities; EO). The psychosocial work environment was assessed as job demand, decision latitude and social support in 135 (TO) and 111 (EO) cleaners, and disorders of the neck and upper extremity by a physical examination. Results The EO group was associated with lower physical workload, in terms of heart rate ratio (23 vs 32; P < 0.001), head and upper arm positions and movements (right upper arm, 50th percentile, 35°/s vs 71°/s; P < 0.001) and wrist movements (20°/s vs 27°/s; P = 0.001), than the TO group. The EO group reported higher decision latitude and lower work demand than the TO one, while we found no difference in social support. The prevalence of complaints and diagnoses in neck/shoulders were lower in the EO group (diagnoses 35% vs 48%; P = 0.04). Moreover, the prevalence of subjects with at least ten physical finding in elbows/hands was lower in the EO group (10 vs 29; P < 0.001). Conclusion Hospital cleaners have a high prevalence of neck and upper limb disorders and a high physical workload. Comparing two groups of cleaners, with differences in the way of organizing the work, lower physical workload, more beneficial psychosocial factors and a better musculoskeletal health was found in the group with an extended organization. Hence, the differences found can be attributed to the organizational factors.     

某汽车总装车间工人多部位肌肉骨骼疾患调查及影响因素分析

目的:分析汽车总装作业工作相关肌肉骨骼疾患（WMSDs）现状,探讨多部位WMSDs的分布规律和影响因素。方法:于2019年3至7月,采用整群抽样方法,选取663名男性汽车总装作业工人为调查对象,选用《肌肉骨骼损伤情况调查问卷》对工人的一般情况和工作情况进行调查,多部位WMSDs的影响因素分析采用多分类logistic回...     

Combined ergonomic exposures and development of musculoskeletal pain in the general working population: A prospective cohort study

Objective:This study aimed to investigate the importance of combined ergonomic exposures at work for the development of musculoskeletal pain.Methods:Through four rounds (2012–2018) of the Work Environment and Health in Denmark Study, 18 905 employees of the general working population replied to a baseline and 2-year follow-up questionnaire. First, a k-means cluster analysis of seven ergonomic factors (back bending, arm above shoulders, lifting etc., from ‘never’ to ‘almost all the time’) identified nine naturally occurring clusters. Second, using a weighted survey regression model controlling for age, gender, survey year, education, lifestyle, influence at work, and pain intensity at baseline, we estimated development of pain intensity (0–10) in the neck-shoulder and low-back in these clusters. The largest cluster served as reference to the other clusters and was characterized by low ergonomic exposures.Results:Clusters characterized by multiple combined ergonomic exposures for a relatively high percentage of the working time showed the largest increase in neck-shoulder as well as low-back pain intensity from baseline to follow-up. However, clusters characterized by high exposure to a few specific ergonomic factors also increased pain significantly, eg, standing/walking combined with lifting/carrying or twisted/bent back for the majority of the working time increased low-back pain, whereas repetitive arm movements for the majority of the working time with or without standing/walking increased neck-shoulder pain.Conclusion:Combined occupational ergonomic exposures play an important role in the development of musculoskeletal pain. Workplace preventive approaches should consider this in risk assessments and organization of the work.     

Individual and work-related risk factors associated with symptoms of musculoskeletal complaints

Summary Individual and work-related risk factors in the development of occupational musculoskeletal complaints were investigated in a cross-sectional study of 52 female production workers and 34 female office workers. The work tasks of the production workers were considered to generate shoulder muscle loads of low amplitude and high repetitiveness, and the work tasks of the office workers, muscle loads of low amplitude and low repetitiveness. The symptom scores were similar in the two groups, with the highest score for both groups in the shoulder-neck region. Previous pain symptoms were an important risk factor for musculoskeletal pain in all body regions, whereas psychosocial problems at work were a risk factor for complaints in the shoulder-neck region. For the office workers, 27% of the variance in shoulder-neck symptoms was explained by the variance in the parameters previous pain symptoms and psychosocial problems in a multilinear regression model. In three groups of workers with different physical loads on the shoulder muscles the symptom scores for workers without previous pain symptoms and psychosocial problems were related to the physical load. For workers with previous pain symptoms and psychosocial problems, the symptom scores were high and similar for all three groups.     

Individual and work-related risk factors for musculoskeletal pain among computer workers in Nigeria

We investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) and the association of 1-month prevalence with individual and work-related factors among commercial typists in Enugu. Participants responded to a questionnaire about occurrences of MSP and a 75.6% (242/320) response rate was achieved. Prevalence was summarized in frequencies and percentages while associations between MSPs and risk factors were explored using chi-square. MSP was most common in the low back (58.3%), and low back pain limited 51.7% from activities between 1 and 30 days. Advancing age was significantly associated with MSP in the low back (x² = 19.885; p = .001), neck (x² = 28.309; p < .001), shoulder (x² = 13.122; p = .011), but not wrist/hand (p = .075). Working 1–5 years in this job was associated with increasing prevalence of MSP in all body regions studied. Lesser job control was associated with increased prevalence of wrist/hand pain. Prevalence of MSDs among computer operators in Enugu, Nigeria, is high and highlights the importance of workplace intervention.     

A case-control study of psycholotical and psychosocial risk factors for shoulder and neck pain at the workplace

Risk factors associated with work-related shoulder and neck myalgia were investigated in a case-control study with pairs matched for age, gender, and physical exposure. Guided interviews with standardized and self-constructed questionnaires were performed among manual (n = 15 pairs) and office (n = 24 pairs) workers. Perceived general tension was the variable with the strongest association with shoulder and neck pain in both work groups. Otherwise, the results in the two groups were very different, indicating that different risk factors and mechanisms were associated with shoulder and neck pain in the two work groups. The study provides background information for future attempts to establish causal relationships between physical and psychosocial exposure and shoulder and neck pain, which can be more accurately investigated in a longitudinal rather than a cross-sectional experimental design.     

Workplace stress, lifestyle and social factors as correlates of back pain: a representative study of the German working population

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of back pain in the German working population and the relationship between back pain and workplace stresses, lifestyle and social factors. METHODS: The first National Health Survey of the Federal Republic of Germany was carried out between October 1997 and March 1999. It comprised a representative epidemiological cross-sectional study of the working population, with a total sample of 3,488 persons between the ages of 18 and 69 years. The participants took part in a medical examination and answered a self-rating questionnaire. The relationship between subjective back pain and workplace stresses and social and lifestyle factors was investigated with bivariate tests and multiple logistical regression analyses. RESULTS: The 7-day prevalence for back pain in the German working population was found to be 34%, and the 1-year prevalence was 60%. The odds ratios were significantly higher in women, persons of lower socioeconomic status, married and depressed persons and non-athletes. Carrying heavy loads or maintaining a single working posture were the most significant work-related correlates of back pain, for members of both the female and male working population, while environmental stress and psychological stress correlated significantly with back pain in men only. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the first representative epidemiological prevalence data for back pain, and its correlates and potential risk factors, for the German working population. To reduce the negative impact of back pain the most promising behavioural and conditional prevention measures in the workplace would be to reduce carrying stress and to vary working posture. In addition, a more active, athletic lifestyle, plus the avoidance of being overweight, should provide an additional protective or preventive effect.     

寿光市大棚劳动者膝关节肌肉骨骼疾患患病情况及其影响因素研究

目的 了解寿光市大棚劳动者膝关节肌肉骨骼疾患的患病情况,分析肌肉骨骼疾患相关影响因素。方法 选择山东省寿光市五个蔬菜大棚种植区15个村庄至少从事一年劳动的蔬菜大棚劳动者进行面对面调查,分析膝关节肌肉骨骼疾患的发生和影响因素。结果 共纳入研究对象1 780人,大棚劳动者膝关节肌肉骨骼疾患的患病率为41.9%。单因素Logistic回归分析发现共48个因素与大棚劳动者膝关节疾病的发生有关;多因素Logistic回归分析提示,女性（OR=1.795,95% CI：1.433~2.249）、年龄≥50岁（OR=1.635,95% CI：1.271~2.105）、BMI≥24 kg/m²（OR=1.445,95% CI：1.151~1.814）、种植年数≥20年（OR=1.767,95% CI：1.368~2.282）、长时间跪着工作（OR=1.616,95% CI：1.207~2.165）、长时间走动工作（OR=1.967,95% CI：1.290~3.000）、以不舒服的姿势搬举重物 （OR=1.421,95% CI：1.116~1.809）、稍微弯腰（OR=2.084,95% CI：1.427~3.045）、大幅度转身（OR=1.291,95% CI：1.002~1.663）、头部重复弯曲扭转（OR=1.565,95% CI：1.187~2.063）、常被迫弯腰（OR=1.245,95% CI：0.979~1.584）会增加膝关节疾病发生的风险。结论 大棚劳动者膝关节肌肉骨骼疾患的患病率较高,亟待采取合理的预防和控制措施来减少大棚劳动者膝关节肌肉骨骼疾患的发生。     

大棚菜农肌肉骨骼疾患及其影响因素

目的 调查大棚菜农肌肉骨骼疾患现况并探讨危险因素.方法 采用整群抽样方法,对某大棚种植区的203名菜农和邻近村庄的127名非大棚菜农的肌肉骨骼疾患进行回顾性问卷调查.结果 大棚菜农肌肉骨骼疾患检出为70.0％,非大棚菜农为33.9％.大棚菜农前3位疾患依次是下背痛、膝和肩部疾患.年龄、大棚蔬菜种植年限、体重和卷帘机使用与大棚菜农肌肉骨骼疾患有统计学相关,调整后的OR值分别为1.17,1.82,1.08和0.07.结论 大棚菜农肌肉骨骼疾患检出率较高,主要疾患是下背痛、膝和肩部疾患.年龄、大棚蔬菜种植年限、体重和卷帘机使用为肌肉骨骼疾患的主要影响因素.     

汽车装配作业工人肌肉骨骼损伤的流行病学调查研究

目的 调查汽车装配作业工人肌肉骨骼疾患的发生情况,探讨可能的相关影响因素.方法 选择北方某汽车制造公司1508名装配作业工人作为调查对象,采用区域工种检查表、北欧标准化肌肉骨骼症状调查表(NMQ)与疼痛问卷,对调查对象的一般情况、不良工效学因素接触情况和肌肉骨骼疾患发生情况等进行流行病学横断面和回顾性调查.结果 汽车装配作业工人肌肉骨骼疾患发生部位以下背部为最高,其次为手腕部、颈部和肩部,发生较为严重的工段有发动机舱段、内饰段、门盖段、底盘段和调试段.发动机舱段和底盘段作业工人以下背部,内饰段以下背部和手腕部,门盖段以手腕部,调试段以颈部和下背部为肌肉骨骼损伤的主要部位.颈部肌肉骨骼疾患有随身高的增高而加重的趋势;吸烟可能会增加肌肉骨骼疾患的发生.结论 汽车装配作业工人肌肉骨骼疾患发病较为严重,各工段发生部位各有不同,表现特征比较明显,可能与其存在的不良作业姿势或活动有关.作业工人身高和吸烟习惯可能是影响肌肉骨骼疾患发生的重要因素.     

北京市2080名社区人群不同性别微量白蛋白尿患病率及相关因素研究

目的 研究微量白蛋白尿(MAU)患病率、相关因素及其性别间差异,为减少心血管病并发症和肾病进展的发生提供依据.方法 在北京市4个社区随机抽取2080名(男性810名,女性1270名)研究对象,平均年龄(50.87±13.10)岁;检测尿白蛋白/肌酐比值(ACR);对可能与MAU有关的因素分别进行单因素和多因素logistic回归分析.结果 2080名受试者中MAU患病率为17.50%,其中女性为18.82%,男性为15.43%,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).logistic回归分析显示:年龄(OR=1.02)、收缩压(OR=1.02)、血清肌酐(OR=1.04)是男性MAU的独立危险因素;在女性,年龄(OR=1.04)、收缩压(OR=1.02)、血清肌酐(OR=1.08)、体重指数(OR=1.07)、总胆固醇(OR=2.05)是MAU的危险因素,高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(OR=0.44)是MAU的保护因素.结论 该社区人群MAU患病率高于以往国内外报道,其中女性MAU患病率高于男性(P＜0.05),不同性别间MAU的相关因素有差异.     

Perceived effort and low back pain in non-emergency ambulance workers: Implications for rehabilitation

Introduction: This study aims to explore factors associated with low back pain (LBP) that required treatment from health care provider among non-emergency ambulance transfer workers. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted to 38 workers of a major hospital in Hong Kong. The influences of four categories of risk factors (personal, physical, psychosocial, and exposure factors) in the prevalence of LBP were investigated by objective measurement and self-reported questionnaires. A modified Nordic musculoskeletal symptoms survey and sick leave record were used to document the prevalence of LBP. Univariate analyses followed by multiple logistic regression analyses were used to explore the risk factors associated with LBP cases. Results: The results revealed that LBP was associated with age (OR=0.75, CI=0.56–1.00, P < 0.05), perceived effort (OR=7.95, CI=1.46–43.27, P < 0.05), job satisfaction (OR=4.18 CI=1.42–12.33, P < 0.01), and flexor peak torque at 120°/s (OR=1.09 CI= 0.99–1.19, P=0.07). Conclusion: This study suggests that workers’ perceived exertion has an valuable role in assessing risk at this workplace. A high perceived exertion at work can signal the need for work adjustment or modification to avoid progression of low back disorder to persistent pain or intense pain. The effects of work adjustment or modification in affected workers needs to be systematically investigated.     

Prevalence of spinal pain in a population of Bosnia and Herzegovina

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence and risk factors of spinal pain in the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).MethodsThis was a cross-sectional survey conducted online in November/December 2018. Participants were inhabitants of BiH of both sexes, aged ≥ 16 years. The sample was stratified based on region and demographic characteristics. Current pain was analyzed; point prevalence was measured.ResultsWe received 1048 responses, of which data from 1017 could be used. The prevalence of spinal pain in BiH was 70.9%: 75.5% in women (n = 440) and 64.7% in men (n = 281). Low back pain (LBP) was more common compared to neck pain (NP) and thoracic pain (TP) in both sexes and all age groups. Significant associations with spinal pain in the bivariate analysis were found for the following groups: women, aged from 30 to 50 years, with high school education, employed persons and retirees, spinal pain in parents, smoking, irregular physical activity, longer use of TV or computer/mobile phone per day.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first study of the prevalence of spinal pain in BiH. Some factors associated with spinal pain are modifiable. Therefore, public health interventions should target those factors to reduce the burden of spinal pain in BiH.     

山东省某蔬菜基地女性从业人员肌肉骨骼系统损伤情况及相关因素研究

目的 了解女性蔬菜大棚从业人员肌肉骨骼系统损伤的发生及其相关因素,为采取针对性的干预措施提供依据。方法 2015年采取问卷调查的方式对山东省某蔬菜种植基地851名女性从业人员进行面对面调查。结果 蔬菜大棚女性作业人员肌肉骨骼系统损伤发生率为82.79%。身体主要部位肌肉骨骼系统损伤发生率由高到低依次为下背部（65.82%）、膝部（49.10%）、颈部（25.75%）、肩部（23.47%）。多因素分析结果显示,年龄≥50岁（OR=2.098,95% CI：1.353～3.252）、工作年数≥20年（OR=1.703,95% CI：1.116～2.599）、每天重复性工作（OR=1.903,95% CI：1.183～3.061）、长时间站立工作（OR=2.902,95% CI：1.183～7.120）、经常稍微弯腰（OR=2.979,95% CI：1.823～4.867）为女性蔬菜大棚作业人员肌肉骨骼损伤发生的危险因素,工作中使用助力工具为女性蔬菜大棚作业人员肌肉骨骼损伤发生的保护因素（OR=0.400,95% CI：0.229～0.697）。结论 女性蔬菜大棚劳动者肌肉骨骼损伤发生率较高,亟待采取合理的预防和控制措施来减少其发生。