Risk factors associated with the reporting of musculoskeletal symptoms in workers at a laboratory of clinical pathology.

OBJECTIVE This study was conducted with the participation of 120 workers at a laboratory of clinical pathology, with the objective of determining the association of demographic factors, clinical and occupational case histories, individual characteristics, work-related stress and ergonomic workplace analysis with the following outcomes: musculoskeletal symptoms and absences from work associated with these symptoms reported by a questionnaire. METHODS Interviews were carried out in order to obtain demographic data, occupational case history and risk factors in workplaces. Data related to musculoskeletal symptoms and absences from work have been registered by means of an adaptation of the Nordic Questionnaire. The variables related to stress at work were based on the questionnaire of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Life and Work Conditions. According to the model prepared by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, 120 workers' workstations have been submitted for ergonomic analysis of work. RESULTS By means of multiple logistic regression, the results showed that the symptoms have been significantly associated with the previous history of rheumatic or orthopaedic disease (OR = 15.4; 95% CI, 1.7-135.7) and with movements and postures at work (OR = 13.5; 95% CI, 3.8-47.9). Absences from work due to musculoskeletal symptoms have been significantly associated with the low level of education (OR = 32.3; 95% CI, 4.9-211.8) and marital status (OR = 37.1; 95% CI, 2.3-593.9). CONCLUSIONS The symptoms have been significantly associated with a previous history of rheumatic or orthopaedic disease and with inadaequate movements and postures at work. Absences from work due to musculoskeletal symptoms have been significantly associated with the workers' low level of education and marital status.