Associations between eyestrain and neck–shoulder symptoms among call-center operators

Few if any studies have investigated if eyestrain and shoulder-neck symptoms are correlated, although functional links could be expected on the basis of neurophysiological evidence. The present cross sectional study assessed correlations between self-reported eye strain and shoulder-neck symptoms among call centre workers, controlling for possible confounders for these ailments. A questionnaire concerning socioeconomic background, work conditions and symptoms was mailed to 1531 employees at 28 different call centers during the years 2001- 2003. Twenty-one percent of responding subjects (N = 1162) reported both eyestrain and neck shoulder symptoms, 46% reported neck/shoulder and 6 % eye symptoms. 46% were free from symptoms in these regions. A significant positive association was found between eyestrain and neck/shoulder symptoms. Significant covariates for shoulder-neck disorders were eyestrain (OR = 1.6 p = 0.007), gender (to be female) (OR 1.9, p < 0.001, irritation index (OR 1.2, p =0.03), and feeling stressed (OR 1.2, p = 0.001. In a multi-nominal regression analysis gender (female) (OR = 1.9, p = 0.002), feeling stressed (OR 1.3, p = 0.002), feelings of distress (OR = 1.7, p < 0.001), computer problems (OR 1.3, p = 0.002)) and social support (OR 0.6, p = 0.003) remained in the model for the eye/neck symptoms. The results from this study support an association between self-reported combined eyestrain and shoulder-neck symptoms. However no causal relations can be derived due to the cross-sectional design.

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