Relationships between domains of functioning of workers with work-related disorders

Abstract

Workers with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMDs) have impairments in the body functions and structures, and have difficulty performing daily activities and developing social participation. Environmental factors can act negatively or positively as barriers or facilitators, worsening or improving the health status of people. This study assessed the relationship between health domains, based on components of body functions, activities and participation and environmental factors of non-statutory and statutory workers with WMDS. The negative relationships were stronger between mental and sensory functions and pain and activities/participation and environmental factors of non-statutory workers. The relationships signaled that the more impairments, the more difficulties. Environmental factors such as temperature, vibration and attitudes hindered mental and sensory functions and pain.