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 editorsMatikainen, Emmi; Sjögren, Tuulikki

Journal or seriesEuropean Journal of Physiotherapy

ISSN2167-9169

eISSN2167-9177

Publication year2020

Volume22

Issue number1

Pages range36-43

PublisherTaylor & Francis

Publication countryUnited Kingdom

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1080/21679169.2018.1549593

Publication open accessNot open

Publication channel open access

Publication is parallel published (JYX)https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/68403


Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal wellbeing and disorders and explanatory factors were investigated among forest industry employees.

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.


Keywordsoccupational healthsick leavework-related diseasesstress injuriesforest workforest workersforest industry

Free keywordsmusculoskeletal disorders; musculoskeletal disability; sickness absence; working aged


Contributing organizations


Ministry reportingYes

Reporting Year2020

JUFO rating1


Last updated on 2024-25-03 at 13:29