Musculoskeletal pain and smoking in Norway.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between musculoskeletal pain and smoking.


METHODS
Cross sectional, national interview survey.


METHODS
All individuals in a representative sample of households in Norway in 1985.


METHODS
A total of 6681 persons aged 16 to 66 years old. people in institutions were not included.


METHODS
Gender specific and age specific prevalence rates for pain in the cervical region/upper limbs, back, and lower limbs.


RESULTS
Current smoking was independently associated with musculoskeletal pain (odds ratio (OR) 1.69; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.45, 1.97) after adjustment for gender, age, comorbidity, mental distress, lifestyle factors, and occupation related factors. The association was of similar strength regarding cervical/upper limb pain (OR 1.87; CI 1.56, 2.25) and back pain (OR 1.84; CI 1.50, 2.25) but weaker in respect of lower limb pain (OR 1.37; CI 1.10, 1.71). Musculoskeletal pain was often present in more than one site.


CONCLUSIONS
Smoking was significantly associated with musculoskeletal pain after adjustment for other relevant factors.
Brage
S
S
Department of Community Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
Bjerkedal
T
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009664:Norway; D010146:Pain / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology*