Original article

Scand J Work Environ Health 2002;28(4):222-231    pdf

https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.669 | Issue date: Aug 2002

High physical and psychosocial load at work and sickness absence due to neck pain

by Ariëns GAM, Bongers PM, Hoogendoorn WE, van der Wal G, van Mechelen W

Objectives This study investigates the relationship between physical and psychosocial load at work and sickness absence due to neck pain.

Methods A prospective cohort study with a follow-up period of 3 years (1994-1998) was performed among a working population. At the beginning of the study, physical load at work was quantified by means of video recordings. Work-related psychosocial variables were measured by means of the Job Content Questionnaire. The frequency of sickness absence due to neck pain with a minimal duration of 3 days was assessed on the basis of company registrations during the follow-up period. Altogether 758 workers were included in the analyses. Possible confounding by individual characteristics, physical load, and psychosocial load was studied.

Results Work-related neck flexion and neck rotation, low decision authority, and medium skill discretion showed statistically significant increased risks for sickness absence due to neck pain (adjusted rate ratios ranging from 1.6 to 4.2). High quantitative job demands, low skill discretion, and low job security showed nonsignificant increased risks for sickness absence due to neck pain (adjusted rate ratios of 2.0, 1.6 and 1.7, respectively). Work-related sitting, conflicting job demands, supervisor support, and co-worker support did not increase sickness absence due to neck pain.

Conclusions Work-related neck flexion, neck rotation, low decision authority, and medium skill discretion are risk factors for sickness absence due to neck pain. There are indications that high job demands, low skill discretion, and low job security are also risk factors for sickness absence due to neck pain.

This article refers to the following texts of the Journal: 2000;26(1):7-19  2001;27(4):258-267
The following articles refer to this text: 2004;30(1):56-63; 2010;36(1):34-41; 2011;37(6):512-524; 2013;39(5):468-476