Psychosocial and ergonomic factors, and their relation to musculoskeletal complaints in the Swedish workforce.
A random sample of 1 000 subjects (20-65 years old) from the national population of Sweden received a questionnaire; 70% (n=695) replied, of whom 532 were occupationally active. Female gender, working with neck and/or body bent forward, arms above shoulders, and precision work tasks were predictors of musculoskeletal symptoms. Neck, shoulder, and upper back symptoms were more common in a strained situation at work (high demands, low control) (adjusted odds ratios [adjOR] 2.76, 2.80, and 2.26, respectively). Among females, neck and shoulder symptoms were more common in an iso-strain situation (high demands, low control and low social support) (adjOR 4.43 and 3.69, respectively), and low back symptoms were more common at low social support combined with a passive work situation (adjOR 3.35). No associations were found between iso-strain model and symptoms among males. In conclusion, iso-strain work situation was associated with neck symptoms among females, even when controlling for ergonomic factors.
Wahlstedt
Kurt
K
Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Akademiska Hospital and Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. Kurt.Wahlstedt@telia.com
Norbäck
Dan
D
Wieslander
Gunilla
G
Skoglund
Leni
L
Runeson
Roma
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D011187:Posture; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden