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Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology

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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Osteoarthritis of the Hip | Research

Physically demanding occupations among females and sex-related differences to develop osteoarthritis of the hip: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Susanne Unverzagt, Annekatrin Bergmann, Kathleen Denny, Thomas Frese, Selamawit Hirpa, Johannes Weyer

Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

Hip osteoarthritis (HOA) is a leading cause of disability increasing with age and is more prevalent in women and in various physically demanding occupations. This systematic review identifies and summarises occupational exposures for women in physically demanding occupations and discusses sex differences and consequences.

Methods

In this systematic review, we searched various electronic databases for reports published between date of database inception and October 2022. We included cohort studies and case-control studies that assessed the association between exposure to physically demanding occupations and the development of HOA. We then assessed the methodological quality of selected studies, extracted relative effects, compared the risk for women and men and meta-analytically reviewed the effects of physically demanding occupations. All steps were based on a study protocol published in PROSPERO (CRD42015016894).

Results

We included six cohort studies and two case-control studies in this systematic review. These studies showed a considerably increased risk of developing HOA in both sexes. Women working in traditionally female-dominated occupations such as cleaning, sales, catering, childcare and hairdressing that are physically demanding, have a higher risk of developing HOA than men in similarly physically demanding occupations. Conversely, in traditionally male-dominated occupations with a high heterogeneity of work activities, such as agriculture, crafts, construction, as well as in low-skilled occupations, the risk was higher for men. One exception are health occupations, which are grouped together with a wide range of other technical occupations, making it difficult to draw conclusions.

Conclusions

Existing studies indicate an association between various occupations with a high physical workload and an increased risk of developing HOA. Occupational prevention and individual health promotion strategies should focus on reducing the effects of heavy physical workloads at work. The aforementioned as well as early detection should be specifically offered to women in female-dominated occupations and to people working in elementary occupations.

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Title: Physically demanding occupations among females and sex-related differences to develop osteoarthritis of the hip: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Susanne Unverzagt
Annekatrin Bergmann
Kathleen Denny
Thomas Frese
Selamawit Hirpa
Johannes Weyer
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Osteoarthritis of the Hip
Osteoarthritis of the Hip
Osteoarthrosis
Osteoarthrosis
Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6673
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12995-024-00415-8

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Physically demanding occupations among females and sex-related differences to develop osteoarthritis of the hip: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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