PSYCHOSOCIAL JOB FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH BACK AND NECK PAIN IN PUBLIC-TRANSIT OPERATORS

Objectives This cross-sectional study examined associations between ps ychosocial job factors and the prevalence of nondisabling back or neck pain in professional drivers after physical work load was taken into account. Methods A total of 1449 transit vehicle operators completed a medical examination and a questionnaire yielding information on demog raphic and anthropometric variables, health status, and physical and p sychosocial job factors. Company records were used to supplement infor mation on employment history. Physical work load was measured in life- time years and current weekly hours of professional driving. The relat ion of psychosocial factors with back or neck pain was analyzed by log istic regression models adjusted for past and current physical work lo ad, vehicle type, age, gender, body height, and weight. Results The ma in result of this study was that both physical work load and psychosoc ial factors were simultaneously and independently associated with back or neck pain. Psychosocial factors associated with back or neck pain included extended uninterrupted driving periods, frequency of job prob lems, high psychological demands, high job dissatisfaction, and low su pervisory support. An analysis of specific job problems is provided wh ich may be useful in setting priorities for research and intervention efforts in this high risk occupation. Conclusion The results provide s upport for the role of psychosocial job characteristics in the etiolog y of back or neck pain in occupational settings.