Reported neck and shoulder problems in female industrial workers: the importance of factors at work and at home

Abstract A study was performed to determine how exposure to physical and psychosocial factors at work and at home influences self-reported musculoskeletal problems of the neck, shoulders and thoracic spine. A group of 173 Swedish female blue collar workers, aged 20–45 yr, with monotonous work tasks in the metal and food industries completed questionnaires with a total of 184 questions relating to health status and demographic factors, exposure factors (work-related and domestic factors, questions on lifestyle e.g. smoking, physical activity level and leisure activities), and outcome (musculoskeletal problems). The women were placed in one case group with ‘continuous’ problems in the ‘neck and shoulder’ region, or one referent group, in a nested case-referent study. Frequencies, mean values, factor analyses, analysis of the correlation between exposure and effect variables, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were all calculated. The results showed that an increased risk of suffering from musculo-skeletal problems of the neck and shoulder region among female blue collar workers was related to working in a monotonous fixed position, working with the hands and arms lifted and unsupported, and having a high decision latitude. Single women without children below the age of 13 reported fewer problems than women with a partner, children Relevance to industry The results of this study indicate the importance of good work place design but that much still needs to be done to provide safe working conditions, and also that factors both at work and at home are of importance in the production of neck and shoulder problems.