title: The combined effect of physical, psychosocial/organisational and/or environmental risk factors on the presence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and its consequences.
abstract: This study assessed the combined effect of physical and psychosocial/organisational and/or environmental factors on the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) and its consequences (reduced activities and absenteeism due to MSS) in a random sample of 3003 workers in New Zealand. By telephone interview, participants reported their current workplace exposures and MSS (neck/shoulder, arm/elbow, wrist and low back) and its consequences. Data were analysed using multivariable logistic regression. Combined exposure to physical and psychosocial/organisational and/or environmental factors increased the odds of MSS in the neck/shoulder (OR 3.14, 95% CI 1.79-5.52), arms/elbow regions (OR 4.14, 95% CI 2.21-7.76) and low back (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.28-2.37) and its consequences, i.e. reduced activities due to neck/shoulder symptoms (OR 5.45, 95% CI 2.28-13.00), absenteeism due to neck/shoulder symptoms (OR 5.19, 95% CI 2.24-12.01) and absenteeism due to low back symptoms (OR 4.37, 95% CI 2.92-6.53). In contrast, favourable psychosocial/organisational work conditions reduced the odds of wrist symptoms due to poor physical work conditions (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.44-3.34). We conclude that to reduce MSS and its consequences, employers need to adopt a multifaceted approach: concentrate on improving physical conditions as well as the psychosocial/organisational and environmental aspects of the working environment.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Ergonomics, Occupational Safety and Health, School of Public Health, College of Health, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand; Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia. Electronic address: B.Widanarko@massey.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Baiduri
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Widanarko
authors.affiliation: Centre for Ergonomics, Occupational Safety and Health, School of Public Health, College of Health, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Legg
authors.affiliation: Lloyd's Register Consulting, London, UK; Business Psychology Unit, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Devereux
authors.affiliation: EpiCentre, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stevenson
mesh_terms: D000041:Absenteeism; D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D009520:New Zealand; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Back pain; Interaction; Work stress