Occupational stress and musculoskeletal symptoms in a Tunisian footwear industry

INTRODUCTION: A growing body of literature has documented that occupational stress is associated with increased risks of musculoskeletal injuries or symptoms. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of occupational stress on the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms among workers in a Tunisian footwear industry. METHODS: Material and methods: This was an exhaustive and cross-sectional study including workers in a footwear industry. Musculoskeletal symptoms were assessed using a modified Nordic questionnaire. We used the Job Demand/Control model of Karasek to measure occupational stress. The Quick Exposure Check (QEC) method was used as an ergonomic risk assessment tool. Data were analysed using R software. RESULTS: A total of 337 workers participated in the survey (the age range: 18-60 years). A total of 83.7 of workers reported musculoskeletal symptoms at one site or more. Elbows and upper back were the most symptomatic sites in respectively 84% and 65%. We noted job-strain and iso-strain situations in respectively 57% and 32%. In 78.1% of the workers studied, the QEC score was high and very high in 21.9%. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression model showed that iso-strain situation was associated with the number of symptomatic sites (p= 0.0003, OR=1.34), having musculoskeletal symptoms in elbows (p= 0.03, OR=2.33) and upper back (p=0.009, OR=2.40), and the final QEC score (p= 0.018, OR= 1.04). CONCLUSIONS: Occupational stress constitutes a significant risk for this leather industry. It is associated with a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the workplace and with work-related biomechanical exposure. DISCLOSURE: No significant relationships.