Occupational stress and musculoskeletal symptoms in a Tunisian footwear industry

Abstract

Introduction A growing body of literature has documented that occupational stress is associated with increased risks of musculoskeletal injuries or symptoms. Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of occupational stress on the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms among workers in a Tunisian footwear industry. Methods Material and methods: This was an exhaustive and cross-sectional study including workers in a footwear industry. Musculoskeletal symptoms were assessed using a modified Nordic questionnaire. We used the Job Demand/Control model of Karasek to measure occupational stress. The Quick Exposure Check (QEC) method was used as an ergonomic risk assessment tool. Data were analysed using R software. Results A total of 337 workers participated in the survey (the age range: 18-60 years). A total of 83.7 of workers reported musculoskeletal symptoms at one site or more. Elbows and upper back were the most symptomatic sites in respectively 84% and 65%. We noted job-strain and iso-strain situations in respectively 57% and 32%. In 78.1% of the workers studied, the QEC score was high and very high in 21.9%. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression model showed that iso-strain situation was associated with the number of symptomatic sites (p= 0.0003, OR=1.34), having musculoskeletal symptoms in elbows (p= 0.03, OR=2.33) and upper back (p=0.009, OR=2.40), and the final QEC score (p= 0.018, OR= 1.04). Conclusions Occupational stress constitutes a significant risk for this leather industry. It is associated with a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the workplace and with work-related biomechanical exposure. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Keywords

• musculoskeletal disorder
• occupational stress