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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2020.07.008

Self-Reported Variables as Determinants of Upper Limb Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Assembly Line Workers  

Guerreiro, Marisa M. (NOVA National School of Public Health, Occupational Health and Environmental Health Department, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa)
Serranheira, Florentino (NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC))
Cruz, Eduardo B. (School of Health Care, Department of Physiotherapy)
Sousa-Uva, Antonio (NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC))
Publication Information
Safety and Health at Work / v.11, no.4, 2020 , pp. 491-499 More about this Journal
Abstract
Background: Assembly lines work is frequently associated to work-related upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. The related disability and absenteeism make it important to implement efficient health surveillance systems. The main objective of this study was to identify self-reported variables that can determine work-related upper limb musculoskeletal symptoms-discomfort/pain-during a 6-month follow-up. Methods: This was a prospective study with a 6-month follow-up period, performed in an assembly line. Upper limb musculoskeletal discomfort/pain was assessed through the presence of self-reported symptoms. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate which self-reported variables were associated to upper limb symptoms after 6 months at the present and to upper limbs symptoms in the past month. Results: Of the 200 workers at baseline, 145 replied to the survey after 6 months. For both outcomes, "having upper limb symptoms during the previous 6 months" and "education" were possible predictors. Conclusion: Our results suggest that having previous upper limb symptoms was related to its maintenance after 6 months, sustaining it as a specific determinant. It can be a hypothesis that this population had mainly workers with chronic symptoms, although our results give only limited support to self-reported indicators as determinants for upper limb symptoms. Nevertheless, the development of an efficient health surveillance system for high demanding jobs should implicate self-reported indicators, but also clinical and work conditions assessment should be accounted on the future.
Keywords
Automotive assembly line; High-demanding jobs; Occupational health; Work-related upper limb musculoskeletal disorders;
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