Work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders in the United States: 2006, 2009, and 2014 National Health Interview Survey

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The annual incidence rate of work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (WUEMSDs) is increasing in US workers according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, the prevalence of WUEMSDs among US total workers has not been estimated. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to estimate the prevalence of WUEMSDs among US total workers and among each of major occupations and industries. METHODS: We analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey Arthritis supplements (2006, 2009, and 2014) among 50,218 current workers (age >18 years) to estimate the 30-day prevalence of WUEMSDs and of WUEMSDs affecting work using the SAS-callable SUDAAN software. RESULTS: About 11.2 million workers reported WUEMSDs based on three surveys (2006, 2009, and 2014). The 30-day prevalence of WUEMSDs was 8.23%; the prevalence of WUEMSDs affecting work was 1.24%. The Construction occupation and industry had the highest age- and sex-adjusted 30-day prevalence of WUEMSDs (10.98% for Construction occupation; 9.94% for Construction industry) and WUEMSDs affecting work (3.32% for Construction occupation; 2.31% Construction industry). CONCLUSIONS:Our results showthat constructionworkers had the highest prevalence of bothWUEMSDsandWUEMSDs affecting work. They may be a priority group for interventions to reduce upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders.