Work-related determinants of multi-site musculoskeletal pain among employees in the health care sector

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal pain is a major occupational problem. Those with pain in multiple sites usually report worse health outcomes than those with pain in one site. OBJECTIVE: This study explored prevalence and associated predictors of multi-site pain in health care sector employees. METHOD: Survey responses from 1348 health care sector employees across three organisations (37 response rate) collected data on job satisfaction, work life balance, psychosocial and physical hazards, general health and work ability. Musculoskeletal discomfort was measured across 5 body regions with pain in ≥ 2 sites defined as multi-site pain. Generalized linear models were used to identify relationships between work-related factors and multi-site pain. RESULTS: Over 52 of the employees reported pain in multiple body sites and 19 reported pain in one site. Poor work life balance (PRR=2.33, 95 CI=1.06-5.14). physical (PRR=7.58, 95 CI=4.89-11.77) and psychosocial (PRR=1.59, 95 CI=1.00-2.57) hazard variables were related to multi-site pain (after controlling for age, gender, health and work ability. Older employees and females were more likely to report multi-site pain. CONCLUSION: Effective risk management of work related multi-site pain must include identification and control of psychosocial and physical hazards.