Musculoskeletal disorders and their associations with health- and work-related factors: a cross-sectional comparison between Swedish air force personnel and army soldiers

Abstract Background The high numbers of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among soldiers in the Swedish Armed Forces has led to the implementation of an effective prevention program, the musculoskeletal screening protocol (MSP), including questionnaires, physical tests and individual intervention of their MSD. A corresponding MSP for the Swedish Air Force is also needed due to earlier reported high prevalence of MSD. We therefore investigated the prevalence of MSD in Swedish Air Force personnel (AF) and compared this to Swedish Army deployed soldiers (DS). Individual, health- and work-related factors associated with MSD were also investigated. Methods Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study on 166 male AF and 185 DS. AF consisted of fighter pilots, helicopter pilots and rear crew from one Swedish air base. Results The one-year and point prevalence, respectively, of MSD were significantly higher for AF compared to DS with regard to both the upper quarter of the body (i.e. neck, shoulder and thoracic regions) (AF = 54.8 and 31.3%, DS = 26.1 and 13.6%, p = 0.01) and the lumbar region (AF = 38.0 and 18.7%, DS = 22.2 and 7.1%, p = 0.00). No significant differences were present between fighter pilots, helicopter pilots and rear crew regarding MSD prevalence. Factors significantly associated with having both upper quarter and lumbar regions MSD were group (i.e. greater odds for AF than DS) and self-reported physical health as less than excellent. Additionally, being older and taller were also factors associated with lumbar region MSD. Discussion Despite a generally healthy lifestyle, MSD were commonly reported by AF and DS, with generally higher prevalence in AF who mainly reported MSD in the upper quarter of the body. The results from this study indicate that the MSP can be a meaningful tool to prevent MSD in air force personnel and that questions regarding general health and MSD in specific body regions should be included in screening protocols. The development of the preventive program MSP is therefore recommended for the Swedish Air Force.

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Correction to: Musculoskeletal disorders and their associations with health- and work-related factors: a cross-sectional comparison between Swedish air force personnel and army soldiers

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12891-020-03677-5 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Matthias Tegern ◽

Ulrika Aasa ◽

Björn O. Äng ◽

Helena Larsson

Keyword(s):

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Air Force ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Work Related ◽

Army Soldiers

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

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Musculoskeletal Disorders among Brazilian Dentists in São Paulo

Revista Odonto Ciência ◽

10.15448/1980-6523.2018.1.29699 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 33 (1) ◽

pp. 33

Author(s):

Gabriella Barreto Soares ◽

Carlos Eduardo Gomes Siqueira ◽

Lorena Estrada-Martinez ◽

Cléa Adas Saliba Garbin ◽

Artênio José Ísper Garbin

Keyword(s):

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Problems ◽

Sao Paulo ◽

São Paulo ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Work Related ◽

And Gender ◽

Public Clinics

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at investigating the relationships between health and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in dentists, and the relationship with socio-demographic, work and health variables.METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 204 dentists who work in public clinics in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. We used a self-administered survey that included questions on sociodemographic and health aspects, work-related factors, and the Nordic questionnaire.RESULTS: WMSDs were often reported in the neck, shoulder, lower back, and hand/wrists. Logistic regression analysis revealed that there was a correlation between reports of WMSD in the neck and age (OR = 9.48) and health problems (OR = 6.71). Moreover, strong associations were found between MSDs in the shoulders, gender (OR = 5.88) and breaks between appointments (OR = 4.17).CONCLUSION: We concluded that the health problems diagnosed, work-related activities and gender contributed to musculoskeletal disorders in dentists in this clinic.

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Evaluating the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Technicians of Surgery

Caspian Journal of Neurological Sciences ◽

10.32598/cjns.5.19.199 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 199-208

Author(s):

Seyyedeh Haniyeh Mousavibaghi ◽

◽

Kamran Ezzati ◽

Mahmood Abedinzade ◽

Sadegh MoshtaghiKoojel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Work Experience ◽

Occupational Injuries ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Work Related ◽

Body Regions ◽

Check Method ◽

One Year

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are among the prevalent occupational injuries and disabilities in developing countries. Objectives: The current study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among surgery technicians. Materials & Methods: samples (n=179) of this analytical and cross-sectional study were selected using a census method among the surgical technicians who had at least one year of work experience. The disorders of different parts of their bodies were evaluated by Nordic questionnaire, and the risk of catching the musculoskeletal disorders was assessed using quick exposure check method. Statistical analyses were done in SPSS V. 16. Results: According to the Nordic questionnaire, the most prevalent work-related disorders in the past year were found in the back (71.5%), neck (57%), wrist (50.8%), and shoulder (49.7%) of the study subjects. The quick exposure check results showed that the level of exposure to musculoskeletal risks was in action level one for 32.4% of the surgery technicians, and action level three for 33% of them. This study showed associations between the prevalence of work-related symptoms in different body regions and some individual and occupational characteristics (P<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) is high among surgical technicians and lumbar disorders are the most common types. Risk factors for MSDs include undesirable physical posture, weight, time spent for shifting loads, excessive force applied by one or both hands at work, working speed, and staff stress levels. among near half of the studied surgical technicians, there were high and very high risks for injury, indicating the vulnerable condition and environment of this job.

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Prevalence and Work-Related Factors Associated with Lower Back Musculoskeletal Disorders in Female Shellfish Gatherers in Saubara, Bahia – Brazil

10.20944/preprints201901.0274.v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Maria Carolina Barreto Moreira Couto ◽

Ila Rocha Falcão ◽

Juliana dos Santos Müller ◽

Ivone Batista Alves ◽

Wendel da Silva Viana ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Small Scale ◽

Trunk Flexion ◽

Occupational Class ◽

Related Factors ◽

Important Public Health Problem ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Work Related ◽

Lower Back

Lower back musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are an important public health problem and the leading cause of disability worldwide, but with prevalence yet unknown among shellfish gatherers. To investigate the prevalence and work-related factors associated with lower back MSD in a population of female shellfish gatherers, an epidemiological cross-sectional study was carried out in Saubara, Bahia – Brazil, in 2013. The Brazilian version of the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), in addition to a questionnaire containing the physical demands adapted to the artisanal work, were applied to a random sample of 209 female shellfish gatherers. The prevalence of lower back MSD was 72.7%. Using multivariate logistic regression, the shellfish gatherers who had worked for more than 26 years in the activity showed a prevalence of 1.22 (95% CI: 1.04-1.44) times higher compared to those unexposed. Lower back MSD was 1.24 (95%CI: 1.08-1.42) times higher among those more exposed to work sitting with trunk flexion. Those performed manual handling and muscle force with the arms had a prevalence ratio of 1.18 (95%CI: 1.01-1.39). These results show the need for greater awareness of health and social welfare factors impacting workers in small-scale fisheries and will promote the elaboration of health care policies for this occupational class.

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Physical & Postural Determinants of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dental Healthcare Professionals

Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International ◽

10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i1631294 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 37-41

Author(s):

Arsalan Humayun ◽

Parveen Imdad Memon ◽

Aneela Atta Ur Rahman ◽

Fahad Jibran Siyal ◽

Muhammad Ilyas Siddiqui ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Personal Information ◽

World Health ◽

P Value ◽

Chi Square ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Work Related ◽

Health Organization

Background: According to World Health Organization, work-related health deals with all facets of health and determinants of one’s health may vary in different occupations. Identifying those determinants may be crucial for primary prevention of risks and adverse health conditions. Objective: To identify the physical and postural determinants of musculoskeletal disorders among dental healthcare professionals. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out amongst public and private sector dentists of Hyderabad. The data was collected through pre-tested questionnaire from 132 participants. Participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, personal information, work-related factors, physical load related factors and prevalence of different musculoskeletal pain sites were analyzed through frequencies. Associations were assessed using Pearson’s coefficient the strength of association was determined via Chi-square test. Results: Females (39.4%) as compared to males (60.6%) were more affected and most subjects falling in the age group of 24-28 years with +0.66 SD. The postgraduate (77.3%) individuals were more affected as compared to their graduate counterparts. Furthermore, majority complained of neck pain (65.8%) followed by back (64%) & shoulder (59.6) pain. The study also found out that majority of the dentists (95.6%) have a reduction in activity due to MSDs. The only significant association (P value = 0.039) was found between sleeping hours/day and occurrence of MS disorders. Conclusion: Musculoskeletal disorders amongst dentists were found in remarkably high number. Wrong posture and poor physical ergonomics of workspace are attributed to higher incidence of MSDs.

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Musculoskeletal Disorders among Italian Dentists and Dental Hygienists

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18052705 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (5) ◽

pp. 2705

Author(s):

Maria Giovanna Gandolfi ◽

Fausto Zamparini ◽

Andrea Spinelli ◽

Alessandro Risi ◽

Carlo Prati

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Working Hours ◽

Physical Activities ◽

University Education ◽

Lumbar Region ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Body Regions ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Dental Professionals

Dental professionals often perform physically and mentally demanding therapeutical procedures. They work maintaining muscular imbalance and asymmetrical positions for a long time. The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence and the factors associated to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) among Italian dental professionals and the most affected body regions. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between March 2019 and February 2020. The Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) was implemented with questions related to working habits (dental occupation, working hours per week and per days, years of work) and lifestyle (practiced physical activity, including frequency and duration, mobilization activities, and knowledge of ergonomic guidelines) was used. The-chi square test was carried out to detect any statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Logistic regression was carried out to detect the most significant factors associated to WMSD occurrence. A total of 284 questionnaires have been used for the analysis. A high proportion of dental professionals (84.6%) were affected by WMSD in the last 12 months. A higher prevalence was found in females (87%) when compared to males (80%). The prevalence of WMSD was correlated to the working hours/day and hour/week, with a higher risk for operators working >5 h/day and >30 h/week. In addition, a high prevalence was found in operators working for 2–5 years after graduation. Most of the surveyed dental professionals practiced physical activity (70.1%) but only a few had satisfactorily knowledge of ergonomic guidelines (12.7%). Interestingly, participants who practiced yoga or stretching as physical activities demonstrated lower WMSD (77%) when compared to other physical activities (84%). We can highlight that generic physical activities have no functional effect on WMSD for dental professionals. The most affected body areas were neck (59.9%), shoulders (43.3%), lumbar region (52.1%), dorsal region (37.7%) and wrists (30.6%). Considering the magnitude of the problem, there is an urgent need to implement the education in ergonomics among dental professionals, that may be achieved by teaching biomechanics, posturology and integrative functional therapies (such as yoga) during the university education and by promoting holistic health of dental operators.

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Environmental and Organizational Factors Associated with Elbow/Forearm and Hand/Wrist Disorder among Sewing Machine Operators of Garment Industry in Ethiopia

Journal of Environmental and Public Health ◽

10.1155/2014/732731 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Wakjira Kebede Deyyas ◽

Ararso Tafese

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Occupational Health ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Organizational Factors ◽

Musculoskeletal Symptom ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sewing Machine ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Work Related ◽

Machine Operators

Occupational health problems related to upper limp musculoskeletal disorders were the major issue among sewing machine operators of garment industries in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of work related elbow and wrist musculoskeletal disorders among sewing machine operators of garment industries in Galan City, Oromia Regional State. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1 to 30, 2012. A total of 422 study subjects were included in this study. Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to collect detailed information on musculoskeletal symptom, sociodemographic data, and factors associated with the problems through face to face interview. From a total of 422 sewing machine operators included in the study 370 (87.7%) were females and 306 (72.5%) were in the age group of <30 years. The prevalence of self-reported work related elbow and wrist musculoskeletal disorders was 40% and 37.7%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, those who had >16 years of service were about five times more likely to develop elbow and wrist musculoskeletal disorders than those who had short (1–5 years) year of services [AOR = 4.7, 95% CI: 1.55–13.02], physical activities [AOR = 5.02, 95% CI: 1.57–16.00], and methods of payment [AOR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.23–3.28], factors significantly associated with this disorders. Work related elbow and wrist musculoskeletal disorders were high among sewing machine operators in selected garment industries. Moreover, personal and environmental factors were identified as the potential risk factors related to elbow and wrist musculoskeletal disorders among the study group. Therefore, government and the owner of the garment industries should give special attention to prevent and control the problems through proper occupational health and safety policy implementation in the country.

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Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Germany—A Comparison between Dentists and Dental Assistants

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11156956 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (15) ◽

pp. 6956

Author(s):

Fabian Holzgreve ◽

Yvonne Haas ◽

Antonia Naser ◽

Jasmin Haenel ◽

Laura Fraeulin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Analysis Data ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Occupational Factors ◽

Work Related ◽

Dependent Relationship ◽

Body Regions ◽

And Gender ◽

Dental Assistants

Background: Dental professionals suffer frequently from musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). Dentists and dental assistants work closely with each other in a mutually dependent relationship. To date, MSD in dental assistants have only been marginally investigated and compared to their occurrence in dentists. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of MSD between dentists and dental assistants by considering occupational factors, physical activity and gender. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study. A Germany-wide survey, using a modified version of the Nordic Questionnaire and work-related questions, was applied. In total, 2548 participants took part, of which 389 dentists (240 females and 149 males) and 322 dental assistants (320 females and 2 males) were included in the analysis. Data were collected between May 2018 and May 2019. Differences between the dentists and dental assistants were determined by using the Chi2 test for nominal and the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney U test for both ordinal and non-normally distributed metric data. Results: A greater number of dental assistants reported complaints than dentists in all queried body regions. Significant differences in the most affected body regions (neck, shoulders, wrist/hands, upper back, lower back and feet/ankles) were found for the lifetime prevalence, annual prevalence and weekly prevalence. Data from the occupational factors, physical activity and gender analyses revealed significant differences between dentists and dental assistants. Conclusions: Dental assistants appear to be particularly affected by MSD when compared to dentists. This circumstance can be explained only to a limited extent by differences in gender distribution and occupational habits between the occupations.

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A Cross Sectional Study to Assess Musculoskeletal Disorders among Bangladeshi Cycle Rickshaw Pullers and its Association with Ergonomics and Work-related Factors

Journal of Anesthesia & Pain Medicine ◽

10.33140/japm.04.01.05 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

Keyword(s):

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Significant Relationship ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Face To Face ◽

Work Related

Background: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are the most common and largest category of work-related illness seen both in a developed & developing country. Purpose: The purpose of the study to assess the MSDs of Cycle Rickshaw (CR) Pullers & to find out the significance between MSDs with related variables. Material & Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 136 CR Pullers residing in the Dhaka Metropolitan city. Purposive sampling technique was used where data were collected by a structure administered questionnaire with face to face interview & data was analyzed by SPSS (Version 20). Results: Results indicated that the prevalence of MSDs was 91% where upper back, lower back, leg & calf muscle, & knee joint was the more prevalent site. Some ergonomics and work related factors are responsible for developing MSDs. However, there was a significant relationship between MSDs with weight bearing (P<0.05) & daily rickshaw pulling time (p<0.05). In addition, an extremely high significant relationship found between MSDs with age (p<0.001) and BMI (p<0.001). Conclusion: It is concluded that MSDs among CR pullers were extremely high. Awareness of ergonomics and work-related factors might help to prevent and reduce the prevalence of MSDs among CR pullers.

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Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Percussionists in Greece: A Pilot Study

Medical Problems of Performing Artists ◽

10.21091/mppa.2010.3024 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 116-119 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Maria Papandreou ◽

A Vervainioti

Keyword(s):

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Upper Limb ◽

Performing Arts ◽

The Body ◽

Related Factors ◽

Performing Arts Medicine ◽

Work Related ◽

Musical Activity ◽

Practice Time

The performing arts medicine literature indicates that the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in musician instrumentalists is approximately 43%. The primary purpose of this study was to record rates of the most common musculoskeletal disorders among professional and student percussionists in Greece. The secondary aim was to uncover relationships between the percussionists’ musculoskeletal disorders and work-related factors such as their age, main musical activity, and practice time in musical training. METHODS: Thirty percussionists of both sexes, in active musical activity, aged 20 to 60 years, participated. The Musicians Health Questionnaire was used to record their musculoskeletal disorders as assessed in four factors: personal data, musical activity, total body musculoskeletal disorders, and treatment. RESULTS: In the 30 percussionists, 32% of musculoskeletal disorders involved the upper limb, 20% the vertebral column, 8% muscle tissue, 13% psychological problems, and 27% the rest of the body. The most common problems were tremor (20%, n = 6), neuralgia in the arms (17%, n = 5), and backache (20%, n = 6). Statistically significant correlations were found between upper-limb tremor and main musical activity (r = 0.53, p = 0.01), backache and age (r = 0.48, p = 0.01), and neuralgia in the arms and musical practice time (in hrs/day; r = 0.45, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicated that most musculoskeletal disorders among percussionists in Greece affect the upper limbs and involve multiple risk factors. Because of the limited number of respondents, this study should be considered as a pilot population study.

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