Study of the association of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and anxiety-depressive diseases

Abstract

Introduction Mental disorders, musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) and their comorbidities are major threats to work and functional ability. The relationship between mental health and the common MSDs has not received enough attention Objectives To study the socio-professional characteristics of workers suffering from work related MSD To evaluate the association of work related MSDs with anxiety and depression disorders Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among workers with work-related MSDs who consulted the occupational medicine department of the Charles Nicolle Hospital between January 2022 and September 2022. A remote survey was conducted among these workers to screen for anxiety and depressive disorders using the Hospital anxiety and Depressive Scale Results The study population consisted of 54 workers with MSDs with a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.74. The average age was 44.4 [27-61 years]. The average professional seniority was 14.9 years±7 years and the sectors with the highest prevalence of MSDs were the health sector (22%), the food industry (13%) and the textile industry (11%). The workers reported MSDs of the lumbar spine in 61%, gonarthrosis in 31%, followed by MSDs of the upper limb in 25%. The prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders were respectively 46% and 38%. There was no significant association between socio-demographic factors and anxiety depressive disorders. The anxiety disorder was associated with MSDs of the lumbar spine (p: 0.05; OR: 0.32 CI95% [0.1-1.09]). Conclusions Anxiety and depressive disorders were common among workers with MSDs related to work. Interventions targeting psychological distress and work-related psychosocial characteristics may reduce their musculoskeletal pain. Disclosure of Interest None Declared