Risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders among nursing personnel in Greek hospitals

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationships between physical, psychosocial, and individual characteristics and different endpoints of musculoskeletal complaints of the lower back, neck and shoulders. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study a questionnaire survey was carried out among 351 nursing personnel (response 84%) in six general hospitals in Athens, Greece. A questionnaire was used on physical and psychosocial workload, need for recovery, perceived general health and (1) the occurrence of musculoskeletal complaints in the past 12 months, (2) chronic complaints during at least 3 months, and (3) complaints which led to sickness absence. In logistic regression analysis odds ratios (ORs) were estimated for all relevant risk factors. RESULTS: Self-reported factors of physical load were associated with the occurrence of back pain (OR=1.85), neck pain (OR=1.88), and shoulder pain (OR=1.87) but these factors were not associated with chronic complaints and musculoskeletal sickness absence. Physical load showed a trend with the number of musculoskeletal complaints with ORs of 2.47 and 4.13 for two and three musculoskeletal complaints, respectively. No consistent influence of psychosocial factors on complaints, chronicity, or sickness absence was observed. A perceived moderate general health was also a risk factor, and strongest associations were observed for sickness absence due to back pain (OR=2.03), neck pain (OR=8.31), and shoulder pain (OR=6.84). CONCLUSIONS: The handling of physical loads among nurses seems to put them at risk for the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. The development of these complaints into chronic complaints and associated sickness absence is strongly determined by perceived general health and almost not associated with work-related physical and psychosocial risk factors. When the influence of work-related risk factors on musculoskeletal health is being investigated, the general health status of individual workers should be taken into account.     

The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among women in Tijuana, Mexico: sociodemographic and occupational risk factors

The authors interviewed an age- and occupation-stratified sample of 466 women, aged 18-40, from 12 Tijuana neighborhoods, about sociodemographic characteristics, work and reproductive history, and musculoskeletal complaints. A total of 29.8% reported experiencing aches or pain in the low back, 38.3% in the upper back, 26.4% in the neck/shoulders, 18.2% in the hand/wrist, and 28.3% in the legs in the preceding year. Both sociodemographic and occupational factors were associated with these complaints. Very low educational attainment, having substandard housing, being the head of household, and being a migrant were each associated with an increased prevalence of one or more musculoskeletal complaints. In general, working outside the home increased the risk of musculoskeletal complaints. Compared with women who had not worked in the preceding 30-month period, those working in the maquiladora had 40-90% higher risks of upper back, neck/shoulder, and hand/wrist pain. Compared with women working outside the maquiladora, maquiladora women workers had 20% higher risks of low back, upper back, and neck/shoulder complaints. More detailed studies of the incidences of musculoskeletal disorders and of specific etiologic risk factors within the maquiladora industry are warranted. Future studies should concurrently evaluate sociodemographic risk factors.     

The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Complaints among Women in Tijuana,Mexico: Sociodemographic and Occupational Risk Factors

Abstract

The authors interviewed an age- and occupation-stratified sample of 466 women, aged 18–40, from 12 Tijuana neighborhoods, about sociodemographic characteristics, work and reproductive history, and musculoskeletal complaints. A total of 29.8% reported experiencing aches or pain in the low back, 38.3% in the upper back, 26.4% in the neck/shoulders, 18.2% in the hand/wrist, and 28.3% in the legs in the preceding year. Both sociodemographic and occupational factors were associated with these complaints. Very low educational attainment, having substandard housing, being the head of household, and being a migrant were each associated with an increased prevalence of one or more musculoskeletal complaints. In general, working outside the home increased the risk of musculoskeletal complaints. Compared with women who had not worked in the preceding 30-month period, those working in the maquiladora had 40–90% higher risks of upper back, neck/shoulder, and hand/wrist pain. Compared with women working outside the maquiladora, maquiladora women workers had 20% higher risks of low back, upper back, and neck/shoulder complaints. More detailed studies of the incidences of musculoskeletal disorders and of specific etiologic risk factors within the maquiladora industry are warranted. Future studies should concurrently evaluate sociodemographic risk factors.     

Risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders in an aluminum smelter

A cross-sectional study of selected jobs in an aluminum smelter was conducted to assess the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMDs), and to estimate their association with physical and psychosocial characteristics of the jobs. A structured interview and physical exam were used to assess the musculoskeletal health status of the participants, and a self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the psychosocial factors. Observational job analysis was conducted to evaluate 37 potential physical risk factors. Complete data were available for 104 subjects. The prevalence of WMDs on interview and physical exam were 0.8%, 14.9%, 11.6%, 14.9%, and 17.4% for the neck, shoulder, elbow/forearm, hand/wrist, and low back regions, respectively. Unconditional multiple logistic regression was used to model the relationship between physical and psychosocial factors and health status. Years of forearm twisting were found to be a significant predictor for hand/wrist disorders on interview (OR = 17, 95% CI = 2.9–106); for elbow/foream disorders on physical exam and interview (OR = 37, 95% CI = 3.0–470); and for shoulder disorders on interview (OR = 92, 95% CI = 7.3–∞) and on interview and physical exam (OR = 46, 95% CI = 3.8–550). Low decision latitude was also found to be significant for the shoulder on interview (OR = 4.5, 95% CI = 1.3–16). High job satisfaction (OR = 5.9, 95% CI = 1.4–25) and low social support (OR = 5.3, 95% CI = 1.3–22) were associated with low back pain report on interview; only high job satisfaction (OR = 5.3, 95% CI = 1.1–26) was associated with low back pain on both interview and physical exam. Am. J. Ind. Med. 32:66-75, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and associated factors in the Quebec working population

Background: While the determinants of musculoskeletal pain are numerous, few studies conducted among workers have taken into account, altogether, physical factors, psychosocial factors (personal and work-related) and individual characteristics. Objectives: To estimate the 1-year prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the Quebec working population by gender and anatomical site, and to determine which factors are associated with these prevalence figures. Methods: Data came from the 1998 Quebec Health Survey and included 9,496 individuals. One-year period prevalences for neck pain, back pain and pain in the upper and lower extremities were calculated for men and women. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the associations between individual, physical and psychosocial work factors, on one hand, and musculoskeletal pain in the four body regions, on the other hand. Results: For both genders back pain was the most frequent musculoskeletal symptom that had disturbed their activities during the past year. The largest difference between genders was observed for neck pain (women: 18%; men: 11%). Multivariate analyses indicated that physical and psychosocial work factors, as well as psychological variables, were associated with musculoskeletal pain in different body regions. Body mass index was associated only with pain in lower extremities for both genders. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that interventions aimed at reducing musculoskeletal pain should take into account personal and work-related psychosocial variables, in addition to physical workload.     

Work-related musculoskeletal problems among women workers in the semiconductor industry in Peninsular Malaysia

A cross-sectional study to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems and work-related risk factors was conducted among 906 women semiconductor workers. Highest prevalences were pain in the lower limbs, neck/shoulders, and upper back, and highest exposures were prolonged (> or = four hours per workshift) hand/wrist movement, standing, and lifting with hands. After logistic regression, lower-limb pain was significantly associated with standing, neck/shoulder pain with sitting and lifting, upper-back pain with climbing steps, low back pain with hand/wrist movement, and hand/wrist pain with lifting. Neck/shoulder pain was significantly higher for workers with shorter working durations, while lower-limb pain was significantly higher for workers with longer working durations. End-of-line assembly workers had significantly higher odds ratios for pain at all sites, while middle-of-line workers had higher odds ratios for pain in neck/shoulders and upper back, and wafer-fabrication workers had higher odds ratios for pain in low back and lower limbs.     

Prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal disorders in New Zealand nurses, postal workers and office workers

Objectives: To describe the prevalence, characteristics and impact of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in New Zealand nurses, postal workers and office workers.
Methods: A postal survey asked participants about MSDs, (low back, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand or knee pain lasting longer than one day), and demographic, physical and psychosocial factors. Nurses were randomly selected from the Nursing Council database, postal workers from their employer's database and office workers from the 2005 electoral roll.
Results: The response rate of potentially eligible participants was 58% (n=443). Participants were aged 20–59 years; 86% were female. Over the 12 months prior to the survey 88% of respondents had at least one MSD lasting longer than a day and 72% reported an MSD present for at least seven days. Of the 1,003 MSDs reported, 18% required time off work and 24% required modified work duties. In the month prior to the survey 17% of MSDs made functional tasks difficult or impossible. Low back, neck and shoulder pain prevalence did not differ by occupation. Postal workers had the highest prevalence of elbow and wrist/hand pain; nurses of knee pain.
Conclusions: The high prevalence of MSDs among these workers indicates that they are indeed in 'at risk' occupations. In each occupational group MSDs encompass a range of anatomical sites, however the overall pattern of MSDs differs by occupation. MSDs have a significant impact on activities at work and home.
Implications: Primary and secondary prevention strategies should encompass a range of anatomical sites and specifically target different occupational groups.     

Musculoskeletal Problems among VDU Workers in a Hong Kong Bank

A survey of musculoskeletal problems among visual display unit(VDU) users was carried out in a bank using a self-administeredquestionnaire. The prevalence of complaints in various bodyparts were: neck—31.4%, back 30.6%, shoulder—16.5%,hand and wrist—14.9% and arm—6.6%. Frequent usersof VDU had significantly more musculoskeletal problems in theneck and shoulder regions than infrequent users. Individualmusculoskeletal complaints were associated with various riskfactors including personal attributes, working posture, repetitivemovements and work station design. Back, neck and shoulder problemswere more related to unfavourable working postures, while arm,hand and wrist problems were more affected by repetitive movements.Some risk factors for musculoskeletal problems were specificallyrelated to the nature or design of VDU work. Modification otthe workstation design and improvement in work organizationshould be able to reduce the prevalence of these disorders.     

Musculoskeletal complaints and psychosocial risk factors among Chinese hospital nurses

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal complaints represent a common occupational problem for health care workers throughout the world. Despite their sizeable numbers, however, few epidemiological studies have investigated musculoskeletal complaints among Chinese hospital nurses. Objective To assess the prevalence of, and risk factors for, musculoskeletal complaints among hospital nurses in mainland China. METHODS: A total of 282 female, registered nurses were surveyed (92% response rate) using a modified Chinese-language version of the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. Body sites were divided into the neck, shoulder, upper back and lower back regions. RESULTS: The 12 month period-prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints at any of the four regions was 70%. The lower back was the most commonly reported body site (56%), followed by the neck (45%), shoulder (40%) and upper back (37%). High mental pressure, boring or tedious tasks and limited work support were identified as significant risk factors (adjusted odds ratios: 1.79-2.52). No correlations were found between manual handling or perceived physical exertion and increased reporting of musculoskeletal complaints. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that musculoskeletal complaints are prevalent among Chinese hospital nurses. The correlation with various psychosocial factors is also consistent with evidence from other countries.     

Risk factors and musculoskeletal complaints in non-specialized nurses,IC nurses,operation room nurses,and X-ray technologists

Objectives: To gain more insight into the prevalence rates of musculoskeletal complaints of neck-shoulder and low back and to determine the relation between physical and psychosocial work-related risk factors and the complaints mentioned in non-specialized nurses, operation room nurses, Intensive Care (IC) nurses and X-ray technologists. Methods: The study population consists of 3,169 employees affiliated to eight university hospitals in the Netherlands. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional survey design. The parameters under study were having or having had (severe) low back or neck-shoulder complaints during the past year. In logistic regression analyses odds ratio’s and CI 95% were estimated for all relevant risk factors for each of the four professional groups. Results: In all groups prevalence rates of musculoskeletal complaints were high: low back 76%, neck-shoulder 60%. Operation room nurses perceived more neck-shoulder complaints (12 months prevalence) than non-specialized nurses and IC nurses perceived less severe low back complaints than non-specialized nurses. Four physical risk factors and one psychosocial factor were associated with low back complaints in all groups. Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate that both low back complaints and neck-shoulder complaints are major health problems in the four professional groups under study. The prevalence rate of neck-shoulder complaints in operation room nurses is higher than in non-specialized nurses and IC nurses, the latter groups having high prevalence rates already. The exposure to risk factors is perceived differently by each of the professional groups. The professional groups under study all are target for preventive interventions; these interventions need to be specified for each of the professional groups.     

A comparative analysis on musculoskeletal disorders between Greek and Dutch nursing personnel

Objective: To analyse cross-cultural differences between Greek and Dutch nursing personnel in association with the risk factors and occurrence and consequences (absenteeism and medical care seeking) of musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: This study was based on questionnaire surveys among 393 nurses and caregivers in nursing homes and homes for the elderly in The Netherlands and among 351 nurses in general hospitals in Athens, Greece. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse associations between physical and psychosocial workload, need for recovery, perceived general health and (1) the occurrence of musculoskeletal complaints in the past 12 months, (2) chronic complaints during at least 3 months, and (3) complaints which led to sickness absence and medical care seeking. Results: Greek nurses reported significantly more back complaints in the past 12 months (75 vs. 62%) than the Dutch workers, but chronicity (11 vs. 12%) and sickness absence (17 vs. 15%) of these complaints did not differ. Similar differences were observed for neck complaints but not for shoulder complaints. Most Greek nurses with back complaints visited a medical specialist (40%) while Dutch nurses and caregivers sought care through a general practitioner (33%). Multivariate analyses showed that in both countries strenuous back postures (ORs 1.9 and 1.9) and especially a moderate general health (ORs 4.3 and 2.9) were the significant risk factors for back pain. Conclusions: In both countries similar risk factors were associated with the occurrence of low-back pain. Cross-national differences were less important for the risk factors and musculoskeletal complaints than for the consequences of these complaints and for medical care seeking.     

Work-related Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Surgeons

Introduction Surgeons are a unique group of healthcare professionals who are at risk for developing work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WMS). The diversity of operating skills for laparoscopic and endovascular procedures impose different physical demands on surgeons, who also work under time pressure. The present study aims to examine the physical and psychosocial factors and their association with WMS among general surgeons in Hong Kong. Method A survey was conducted among surgeons working in the General Surgery departments in public hospitals of Hong Kong. Over 500 questionnaires were mailed and 135 surgeons completed the survey successfully (response rate 27%). Questions included demographics, workload, ergonomic and psychosocial factors. The relationship of these factors with WMS symptoms in the past 12 months was examined. Results Results indicated a high prevalence rate of WMS symptoms in surgeons, mainly in the neck (82.9%), low back (68.1%), shoulder (57.8%) and upper back (52.6%) regions. Sustained static and/or awkward posture was perceived as the factor most commonly associated with neck symptoms by 88.9% of respondents. Logistic regression showed the total score for physical ergonomic factors was the most significant predictor for all 4 body regions of musculoskeletal symptoms, with OR of 2.028 (95%CI 1.29–3.19) for the neck, 1.809 (1.34–2.43) for shoulder and 1.716 (1.24–2.37) for the lower back. Workstyle score was significantly associated with the symptom severity in the low back region (P = .003) but not with the other regions. Conclusion These results confirmed a strong association of physical and psychosocial factors with the musculoskeletal symptoms in surgeons. There is a potential for such musculoskeletal symptoms to escalate in the future, with rapid advances and increasing application of minimally invasive surgery.     

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.     

Prevalence and psychosocial risk factors of upper extremity musculoskeletal pain in industries of Taiwan: a nationwide study

Prevalence of upper extremity disorders and their associations with psychosocial factors in the workplace have received more attention recently. A national survey of cross-sectional design was performed to determine the prevalence rates of upper extremity disorders among different industries. Trained interviewers administered questionnaires to 17,669 workers and data on musculoskeletal complaints were obtained along with information on risk factors. Overall the 1-year prevalence of neck (14.8%), shoulder (16.6%), and hand (12.4%) disorders were higher than those of the upper back (7.1%) and elbow (8.3%) among those who sought medical treatment due to the complaint. Workers in construction and agriculture-related industries showed a higher prevalence of upper extremity disorders. After multiple logistic regression adjusted for age, education, and employment duration, we found job content, physical working condition, a harmonious interpersonal relationship at the workplace and organizational problems were significant determinants of upper extremity disorders in manufacturing and service industries. Male workers in manufacturing industries showed more concern about physical working conditions while female workers in public administration emphasized problems of job content and interpersonal relationships. We concluded that these factors were major job stressors contributing to musculoskeletal pain of the upper extremity.     

Pushing and pulling in association with low back and shoulder complaints

Aims: To examine the association between exposure to pushing/pulling at work and low back and shoulder complaints. Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire survey was carried out among 434 workers from several companies with mainly pushing/pulling tasks. From the same companies 188 workers without physically demanding tasks served as reference. The questionnaire was used to assess the exposure to pushing/pulling and other physical risk factors for low back and shoulder complaints. Mean scores at company level were used to classify groups into medium and high exposed to pushing/pulling and a reference group. Psychosocial factors at work were also assessed. Several pain related questionnaires were used to assess the 12 month prevalence of low back and shoulder complaints in three dimensions: trouble (ache, pain, discomfort), pain intensity, and disability. Prevalence rate ratios (PRs) were calculated using Cox''s proportional hazards regression analysis. Results: The 12 month prevalence of low back complaints was almost equal for all three groups. The prevalence of shoulder complaints increased with an increase in exposure level. Adjusted PRs showed that the high exposed group had an increased risk for low back complaints compared to the reference group. For all dimensions of shoulder complaints a clear tendency towards a dose–response relation was observed. The high exposed group had significant PRs for shoulder complaints, ranging from 2.09 to 6.37. Generally, psychosocial factors had a confounding effect for pain intensity and disability, but not for trouble. Conclusions: For shoulder complaints a dose–response relation was observed for exposure to pushing/pulling. Low back complaints were less consistently associated with pushing/pulling. Stronger associations were observed for more severe cases of low back and shoulder complaints. It is hypothesised that work related psychosocial factors affect these associations.     

Fish processing work: the impact of two sex dependent exposure profiles on musculoskeletal health

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of work tasks, physical exposure, and psychosocial factors on the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in men and women, in a defined industrial setting. METHODS: 116 male and 206 female fish industry workers were compared with 129 men and 208 women with more varied work. Physical and psychosocial work load as well as musculoskeletal complaints were recorded by a questionnaire. A physical examination was performed and an observation method was used for work evaluation. 196 male and 322 female former fish processing workers received a postal questionnaire. RESULTS: The women workers in the fish industry had worse working conditions than the men for repetitiveness, constrained neck postures, and psychosocial work environment. They also had higher prevalences of complaints of the neck and shoulder (prevalence odds ratio (POR) 1.9; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.1 to 3.2), neck and shoulder and elbow and hand complaints (POR 2.9; 95% CI 1.8 to 4.7 and POR 2.8; 95% CI 1.6 to 4.7, respectively). The women more often than the men left the industry because of neck and upper limb complaints. Also, women in other work had a higher prevalence of complaints of the neck and shoulder (POR 2.3; 95% CI 1.1 to 5.1) than the men. The men in the fish processing industry had a higher prevalence of complaints of the neck and shoulder than the men in other work (POR 3.6; 95% CI 1.6 to 8.0). This difference was not shown up by the questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: Despite superficially similar work, there were clear sex differences in physical exposure and psychosocial work environment. Work in the fish processing industry was associated with a high risk of neck and upper limb disorders in women, which was probably mainly due to their extremely repetitive work tasks; the corresponding men had less repetitive work and less disorders. Also, a healthy worker effect on neck and upper limb disorders was found. The advantage of a physical examination compared with a questionnaire is clearly shown.

 

     

Upper body quadrant pain in bus drivers

The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of upper body quadrant pain among Israeli professional urban bus drivers and to evaluate the association between individual, ergonomic, and psychosocial risk factors and occurrence of neck pain. Three hundred and eighty-four male urban bus drivers were consecutively enrolled in the study. Data pertaining to work-related ergonomic and psychosocial stress factors were collected. The 12-month prevalence of neck pain was 21.2%, followed by shoulder: 14.7%, upper back: 8.3%, elbow: 3.0%, and wrist: 3.0% pain. Prevalence of neck pain was associated with uncomfortable seats (odds ratio; OR [95% confidence interval; CI]: 2.2 [1.2-4.3], back support (2.3 [1.2-4.2]), and steering wheel (2.2 [1.1-4.5]). Drivers with neck pain reported significantly higher prevalence of pain in the upper back (OR [95% CI]: 5.9 [2.7-12.9]), shoulders (8.1 [4.3-15.3]), and wrists (7.0 [2.0-21.8]) compared to drivers without neck pain. Work-related organizational stress factors were not associated with neck pain prevalence.     

Work-related musculoskeletal complaints in sonologists

The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints of the hand and wrist, and the neck and back, in physicians who operate sonography equipment was evaluated, and associations between these complaints and various work-related and personal variables were studied. A questionnaire survey was distributed among physician sonographers (sonologists) in Italy. The relationship between work habits and musculoskeletal complaints was analyzed by logistic regression models adjusted for gender, age, and duration of work with ultrasound. A total of 2041 physician sonographers completed the questionnaire. It was found that a large proportion of the subjects regularly had work-related complaints, such as neck and back pain (NBP) (18.5%) or hand and wrist cumulative trauma disorder (HWD) (5.3%). Roughly 80% of the sonographers were currently affected, or had been affected in the past, by one or more work-related symptoms. Various work-related factors appeared to be related to musculoskeletal syndromes. The average time spent for each examination was related both to NBP and HWD. Discomfort for transducer design was the best predictor of HWD, whereas a comfortable chair and correct position of the body protected from the onset of NBP. These results support the role of ergonomic factors in the pathogenesis of both NBP and HWD in sonographers.     

Prognostic factors for musculoskeletal sickness absence and return to work among welders and metal workers

OBJECTIVES: To analyse factors that determine the occurrence of sickness absence due to musculoskeletal problems and the time it takes to return to work. METHODS: A longitudinal study with two year follow up was conducted among 283 male welders and metal workers. The survey started with a standardised interview on the occurrence of musculoskeletal complaints. 61 (22%) workers were lost to follow up. Data on sickness absence among 222 workers during the follow up were collected from absence records and self reports. Regression analysis based on proportional hazards models was applied to identify risk factors for the occurrence and duration of sickness absence due to various musculoskeletal complaints. RESULTS: During the follow up 51% of the workers attributed at least one period of sickness absence to musculoskeletal complaints which accounted for 44% of all work days lost. A history of back pain was not associated with sickness absence for back pain, partly because subjects with back pain were more likely to be lost to follow up. Neck or shoulder pain and pain of the upper extremities contributed significantly to neck or shoulder absence (relative risk (RR) 3.35; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.73 to 6.47) and to upper extremities absence (RR 2.29; 95% CI 1.17 to 4.46), respectively. Company and job title were also significant predictors for sickness absence due to these musculoskeletal complaints. Absence with musculoskeletal complaints was not associated with age, height, body mass index, smoking, and duration of employment. Return to work after neck or shoulder absence was worse among metal workers than welders (RR 2.12; 95% CI 1.08 to 4.17). Return to work after lower extremities absence was strongly influenced by visiting a physician (RR 11.31; 95% CI 2.94 to 43.46) and by musculoskeletal comorbidity (RR 2.81; 95% CI 1.18 to 6.73). CONCLUSIONS: Complaints of the neck or shoulder and upper extremities in the 12 months before the study were associated with sickness absence for these complaints during the follow up. Workers with absence due to pain from back, neck or shoulder, upper extremities, or lower extremities were at higher risk of subsequent sickness absence in the next year.

 

     

Work related risk factors for musculoskeletal complaints in the spinning industry in Lithuania

OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of self reported musculoskeletal complaints in the back, arms or neck, and legs among workers in the spinning industry, and to investigate the relations between these complaints and work related variables. METHODS: An interview based questionnaire survey was carried out in two spinning industry factories in Lithuania. RESULTS: The study group consisted of all workers in production (n = 363). Symptoms of the legs were the musculoskeletal symptom reported most often (61%). Many subjects had arms or neck (55%) or back problems (28%). 20% had experienced pain from all three sites. Almost 25% had had musculoskeletal pain every day and 16% had experienced constant pain during previous year. Packers had the highest risk of arms or neck problems whereas spinners had the highest risk of back or leg problems. Working in a strained posture (bending, work with arms raised up above shoulder level, and repetitive movements of the fingers) was associated with all three complaints. Only arms or neck complaints were associated with age. CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal disorders are a common problem among workers producing gobelin or synthetic thread in Lithuania and working in a strained posture is a risk factor for developing musculoskeletal disorders in three body sites: legs, arms or neck, and back. To better understand the different aspects of physical load as risk factors, a more detailed study of the frequency of postural changes as well as an observation of individually adopted postures would be necessary. This applies to intervention studies in factories of the spinning industry to prevent complaints of the legs and shoulders.