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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 08-06-2022 | Musculoskeletal Pain | Original Article

Musculoskeletal pain trajectories of employees working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors: Jodi Oakman, Subas Neupane, Saila Kyrönlahti, Clas-Håkan Nygård, Katrina Lambert

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 9/2022

Abstract

Objectives

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid public health response which included mandatory working from home (WFH) for many employees. This study aimed to identify different trajectories of multisite musculoskeletal pain (MSP) amongst employees WFH during the COVID-19 pandemic and examined the influence of work and non-work factors.

Methods

Data from 488 participants (113 males, 372 females and 3 other) involved in the Employees Working from Home (EWFH) study, collected in October 2020, April and November 2021 were analysed. Age was categorised as 18–35 years (n = 121), 36–55 years (n = 289) and 56 years and over (n = 78). Growth Mixture Modelling (GMM) was used to identify latent classes with different growth trajectories of MSP. Age, gender, working hours, domestic living arrangements, workstation comfort and location, and psychosocial working conditions were considered predictors of MSP. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression was used to identify work and non-work variables associated with group membership.

Results

Four trajectories of MSP emerged: high stable (36.5%), mid-decrease (29.7%), low stable (22.3%) and rapid increase (11.5%). Decreased workstation comfort (OR 1.98, CI 1.02, 3.85), quantitative demands (OR 1.68, CI 1.09, 2.58), and influence over work (OR 0.78, CI 0.54, 0.98) was associated with being in the high stable trajectory group compared to low stable. Workstation location (OR 3.86, CI 1.19, 12.52) and quantitative work demands (OR 1.44, CI 1.01, 2.47) was associated with the rapid increase group.

Conclusions

Findings from this study offer insights into considerations for reducing MSP in employees WFH. Key considerations include the need for a dedicated workstation, attention to workstation comfort, quantitative work demands, and ensuring employees have influence over their work.

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Title: Musculoskeletal pain trajectories of employees working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Jodi Oakman
Subas Neupane
Saila Kyrönlahti
Clas-Håkan Nygård
Katrina Lambert
Publication date: 08-06-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Musculoskeletal Pain
COVID-19
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 9/2022
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-022-01885-1

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Springer Medicine

Musculoskeletal pain trajectories of employees working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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