The impact of occupational and personal factors on musculoskeletal pain - a cohort study of female nurses, sonographers and teachers

Abstract

Background Musculoskeletal pain is common in the general population and constitutes a major public health problem. A large proportion of these conditions may be work related. The aim of this study was to explore the relative importance of physical, psychosocial and personal factors, in number of pain sites and in five specific pain sites, among women in common professions with a broad variety of occupational exposures. Methods A cohort of 1115 women responded to a questionnaire on ergonomic, psychosocial, personal and life-style factors, and the outcome measure of musculoskeletal pain (based on frequency and intensity of complaints at nine anatomical sites), at baseline and at follow-up. Sum scores of ergonomic and psychosocial factors were created. The importance of exposure at baseline for the number of pain sites at follow-up were estimated using ordinal regression. The importance of exposure at baseline for pain in the neck, shoulders, hands, lower back and feet at follow-up were estimated using multi-exposure Poisson regression models. Results High sum scores for ergonomic and psychosocial factors were of importance for a high number of pain sites, although the strongest risk factor was a high number of pain sites already at baseline. On the individual level, there was a large fluctuation in number of pain sites between the two time points. Eighteen percent reported persistent (or recurrent) ≥ four pain sites, while only 11 % did not report any pain at baseline or at follow-up. Among the specific pain sites, a high sum score of ergonomic factors was associated with pain in the neck, hands and feet. A high sum score of psychosocial factors was associated with neck and shoulder pain. The strongest risk factor was, however, pain at that specific anatomical site at baseline. Only a few of the personal and life-style factors were associated with pain. Conclusions An overwhelming majority of the women in common occupations were affected by musculoskeletal pain. Both ergonomic and psychosocial factors were predictive of a high number of pain sites and of specific pain sites. These findings indicate the need for preventive measures on the individual, organizational and societal level.

Occupational and non-occupational risk factors for neck and lower back pain among computer workers: a cross-sectional study

“…The highest count of workers suffering from MSDs is observed in the age group 25-65 years, with the highest incidence seen in those aged 35-45 years [7][8][9][10]. In turn, the risk factors contributing to the development of non-work-related MSDs include older age, female gender, body weight, social and economic situation, and an inappropriate lifestyle [11].…”

Association between musculoskeletal pain and telework in the context of the COVID‑19 pandemic: an integrative review

“…7 , 11 These disorders are one of the main causes of absenteeism and occupational disability, resulting in high costs for the society. 12 , 13 Therefore, if companies do not adjust domestic environments ergonomically, several individuals working at home during social confinement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are prone to musculoskeletal pain. 8 Additionally, evidence on the characterization of domestic workers with regard to negative work-related health outcomes is incipient.…”

Personal, Academic Stressors and Environmental Factors Contributing to Musculoskeletal Pain among Undergraduates Due to Online Learning: A Mixed Method Study with Data Integration

“…Musculoskeletal pain can be defined as the consequences of repetitive exertion, moderate use of the musculoskeletal system, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal pain may be persistent or develop into a chronic condition, but may also be intermittent with varying intensity at either a single anatomical site or even multiple sites [ 5 ]. Consequently, there was a vicious cycle of discomfort, limited daily physical and leisure time activities, and increased stress [ 2 ].…”