A1 Journal article (refereed)
Musculoskeletal disorders and disability among forest industry workers in lower and higher sickness absence groups : a case-control study (2020)
Matikainen, E., & Sjögren, T. (2020). Musculoskeletal disorders and disability among forest industry workers in lower and higher sickness absence groups : a case-control study. European Journal of Physiotherapy, 22(1), 36-43. https://doi.org/10.1080/21679169.2018.1549593
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Matikainen, Emmi; Sjögren, Tuulikki
Journal or series: European Journal of Physiotherapy
ISSN: 2167-9169
eISSN: 2167-9177
Publication year: 2020
Volume: 22
Issue number: 1
Pages range: 36-43
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/21679169.2018.1549593
Publication open access: Not open
Publication channel open access:
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/68403
Abstract
Methods: A new positive approach to maintenance of working ability focuses on being present at work. 140 individuals with low sickness absence (≤1.5% in hours during the past 6.5 years) and 140 controls with higher sickness absence (>1.5%), randomly selected from the source population (n = 636) in workplace clusters (n = 5), were studied. Questionnaire data on functioning, musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and disability, work ability and wellbeing were collected (response rate 65%) during December 2012–January 2013. 183 employees (mean age 48.5; females 32%) participated. Differences between cases and controls were studied with t- and Mann–Whitney tests and between age groups with Kruskal–Wallis tests. Associations between dependent and independent variables were studied using linear and logistic regression.
Results: The sickness absence groups showed no statistically significant difference in MSD prevalence, although the lower sickness absence group reported less musculoskeletal disability than controls (p<.001). Across all participants, a low prevalence of MSD was explained by good work ability (p<.001) and high maximal oxygen consumption (p = .045). Lower musculoskeletal disability in the lower sickness absence group was explained by high psychological resources (OR =0.58) and in controls by good work ability (OR =0.03) and sedentary work (OR =0.08)
Conclusion: Employee heterogeneity is important issue when seeking to minimise prevalence of musculoskeletal disability or sickness absence or their interaction.
Keywords: occupational health; sick leave; work-related diseases; stress injuries; forest work; forest workers; forest industry
Free keywords: musculoskeletal disorders; musculoskeletal disability; sickness absence; working aged
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2020
JUFO rating: 1