Personal, Biomechanical, Organizational and Psychosocial Risk Factors for Neck Disorders in a Working Population

Personal, Biomechanical, Organizational and Psychosocial Risk Factors for Neck Disorders in a Working Population: Audrey PETIT, et al. LUNAM University, Laboratory of Ergonomics and Epidemi- ology in Occupational health, (LEEST), University of Angers, Faculty of Medicine, France—Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess both personal and occupational risk factors for non-specific neck disorder (ND) in a representative working population character- ized by various levels of exposure to work-related constraints. ND during the preceding 7 days was assessed in 3,710 workers surveyed by 83 occupational physicians between 2002 and 2005. Personal risk factors and work exposure were assessed by a stan- dardized examination and a self-administered question- naire. Associations between ND and personal and occupational factors were analyzed using logistic regression modeling separately in men and in women. Results: The personal risk factors for ND were age (OR for 1-year increment 1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.03 in men and 1.03 (1.01−1.04) in women) and previous history of arthritis disease (OR 2.39 (1.17−4.91) in men and 3.95 (1.92−8.12) in women). The risk of ND increased with previous history or upper limb musculo- skeletal disorders in men (OR 1.58 (1.17−2.13) ) and decreased with BMI in women (OR for 1-kg/m 2 incre- ment 0.96, (0.93−0.99) ). The work-related risk factors of ND were sustained or repeated arm abduction (OR 2.08 (1.35−3.21) in men and 2.22 (1.27−3.86) in women) and neck flexion (OR 1.64 (1.26−2.12) in women). Work