PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS AT WORK AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASE

The objective of this review is to establish whether the epidemiologic literature presents evidence of an association between psychosocial w ork factors and musculoskeletal disease. In a hypothetical model it is suggested that individual characteristics and stress symptoms can mod ify this relationship. The reviewed studies do not present conclusive evidence due to high correlations between psychosocial factors and phy sical load and to difficulties in measuring dependent and independent variables. Nevertheless, it is concluded that monotonous work, high pe rceived work load, and time pressure are related to musculoskeletal sy mptoms. The data also suggest that low control on the job and lack of social support by colleagues are positively associated with musculoske letal disease. Perceived stress may be an intermediary in this process . in addition, stress symptoms are often associated with musculoskelet al disease, and some studies indicate that stress symptoms contribute to the development of this disease.