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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 1/2003

Open Access 01-12-2003 | Research article

Low back pain and widespread pain predict sickness absence among industrial workers

Authors: Tone Morken, Trond Riise, Bente Moen, Signe HV Hauge, Solrun Holien, Anne Langedrag, Svein Pedersen, Inger Lise L Saue, Guri M Seljebø, Varughese Thoppil

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2003

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Abstract

Background

The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in the aluminium industry is high, and there is a considerable work-related fraction. More knowledge about the predictors of sickness absence from MSD in this industry will be valuable in determining strategies for prevention. The aim of this study was to analyse the relative impact of body parts, psychosocial and individual factors as predictors for short- and long-term sickness absence from MSD among industrial workers.

Methods

A follow-up study was conducted among all the workers at eight aluminium plants in Norway. A questionnaire was completed by 5654 workers at baseline in 1998. A total of 3320 of these participated in the follow-up study in 2000. Cox regression analysis was applied to investigate the relative impact of MSD in various parts of the body and of psychosocial and individual factors reported in 1998 on short-term and long-term sickness absence from MSD reported in 2000.

Results

MSD accounted for 45% of all working days lost the year prior to follow-up in 2000. Blue-collar workers had significantly higher risk than white-collar workers for both short- and long-term sickness absence from MSD (long-term sickness absence: RR = 3.04, 95% CI 2.08–4.45). Widespread and low back pain in 1998 significantly predicted both short- and long-term sickness absence in 2000. In addition, shoulder pain predicted long-term sickness absence. Low social support predicted short-term sickness absence (RR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.11–1.49).

Conclusions

Reducing sickness absence from MSD among industrial workers requires focusing on the working conditions of blue-collar workers and risk factors for low back pain and widespread pain. Increasing social support in the work environment may have effects in reducing short-term sickness absence from MSD.
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Metadata
Title
Low back pain and widespread pain predict sickness absence among industrial workers
Authors
Tone Morken
Trond Riise
Bente Moen
Signe HV Hauge
Solrun Holien
Anne Langedrag
Svein Pedersen
Inger Lise L Saue
Guri M Seljebø
Varughese Thoppil
Publication date
01-12-2003
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2003
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-4-21

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