Prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Their Associations with Job Stress in Female Caregivers Living in South Korea

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the work-related musculoskeletal system symptoms and the extent of job stress in female caregivers, as well as the interrelationship between these factors. [Subjects and Methods] Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) Code H-43 of the Guidelines for the Examination of Elements Harmful to the Musculoskeletal System was used as a tool to measure musculoskeletal symptoms. Caregiver job stress was assessed from the Korean Occupational Stress Scale short form. [Results] The level of symptoms in the hand/wrist/finger and leg/foot regions had some relation to job stress. Job stress scores were mainly shown to be high when pain was reported. On the other hand, it was shown that the degree of musculoskeletal symptoms by body part was unrelated to conflicts in relationships, job instability, or workplace culture. [Conclusion] As for the correlations between musculoskeletal symptoms and job stress, it was shown that as job requirements increased, most musculoskeletal symptoms also increased.

Analysis of stress, musculoskeletal disorders, and fatigue among broadcasting actors

“…According to this study, occupational stress has a negative influence on physical, mental, behavioral, and emotional factors, and aggravates disease as well as risk factors9, 10 ) . Occupational stress can be caused by the interaction between organizational characteristics and personal attributes1 ) . That is, stress is an experience of personal dimension under a given organizational situation.…”

“…That is, stress is an experience of personal dimension under a given organizational situation. Therefore, occupational stress affects one’s achievements, causing conflict and disturbing corporate goals and achievement1 ) . In other words, occupational stress is the stress caused by emotional labor.…”

“…Today’s society is evolving from an industrial one based on manufacturing to an information-oriented one based on the service industry, with the cultural content industry forming the core1 ) . Since 2010, the phenomenon referred to as the “Korean Wave” has been spreading all over the world, placing entertainers in the cultural content industry in the spotlight.…”

“…However, the more attention they receive, the higher the level of stress they experience. Therefore, entertainers are more likely to suffer from depression and panic disorder1 ) . Treatment of these issues in entertainers may start with physical therapy, exercise, stress reduction techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.…”

“…Treatment of these issues in entertainers may start with physical therapy, exercise, stress reduction techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Chronic occupational stress and fatigue are the main factors that threaten their physical and mental health1 ) , and they have been studied in several occupations in Korea and other countries2, 3 ) . The working patterns of broadcasting actors are very irregular and change their biological rhythms, so they are forced to adjust to conditions, which puts pressure on their health.…”