JOB TASK AND PSYCHOSOCIAL RISK-FACTORS FOR WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG NEWSPAPER EMPLOYEES

OBJECTIVES - A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the assoc iation of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and work-related f actors among employees using video display terminals at a large metrop olitan newspaper. METHODS - The study included 1050 randomly selected workers from four departments. The workers were asked to complete ques tionnaires on symptoms, job tasks, and psychosocial and work organizat ion conditions. Musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities wer e defined by frequency, duration, and intensity of symptoms not attrib utable to acute injury. Data were analyzed with the use of logistic re gression. RESULTS - A total Of 973 workers completed the survey. The o ne-year period prevalence rate for any musculoskeletal disorder of the upper extremities was 41%. Neck symptoms (26%) were the most frequent ly reported, followed by hand or wrist (22%), shoulder (17%), and elbo w (10%) symptoms. Greater time working at the video display station wa s associated with increased hand or wrist symptoms in a dose-response relationship. In addition, variables corresponding to increased work-l oad demands (eg, increased time working under deadline and increased j ob pressure) were associated with increased neck, shoulder, and hand o r wrist disorders. Women were more likely to report symptoms in severa l areas, but this finding may reflect the concentration of women in jo bs involving more risk factors. CONCLUSIONS - The results suggest a hi gh prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities am ong newspaper employees, and they provide additional evidence that inc reased work load, time pressure, and greater hours of computer use are related to the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders a mong these workers, particularly for disorders in the hand or wrist ar ea.