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The Consequence of Combined Pain and Stress on Work Ability in Female Laboratory Technicians: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author

Listed:
  • Kenneth Jay

    (Department of Physical Activity and Health, Institute for Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark
    National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark)

  • Maria Kristine Friborg

    (National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark)

  • Gisela Sjøgaard

    (Department of Physical Activity and Health, Institute for Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark)

  • Markus Due Jakobsen

    (National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark)

  • Emil Sundstrup

    (National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark)

  • Mikkel Brandt

    (National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
    Physical Activity and Human Performance group, SMI Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg 9220, Denmark)

  • Lars Louis Andersen

    (National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
    Physical Activity and Human Performance group, SMI Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg 9220, Denmark)

Abstract

Musculoskeletal pain and stress-related disorders are leading causes of impaired work ability, sickness absences and disability pensions. However, knowledge about the combined detrimental effect of pain and stress on work ability is lacking. This study investigates the association between pain in the neck-shoulders, perceived stress, and work ability. In a cross-sectional survey at a large pharmaceutical company in Denmark 473 female laboratory technicians replied to questions about stress (Perceived Stress Scale), musculoskeletal pain intensity (scale 0–10) of the neck and shoulders, and work ability (Work Ability Index). General linear models tested the association between variables. In the multi-adjusted model, stress ( p < 0.001) and pain ( p < 0.001) had independent main effects on the work ability index score, and there was no significant stress by pain interaction ( p = 0.32). Work ability decreased gradually with both increased stress and pain. Workers with low stress and low pain had the highest Work Ability Index score (44.6 (95% CI 43.9–45.3)) and workers with high stress and high pain had the lowest score (32.7 (95% CI 30.6–34.9)). This cross-sectional study indicates that increased stress and musculoskeletal pain are independently associated with lower work ability in female laboratory technicians.

Suggested Citation

  • Kenneth Jay & Maria Kristine Friborg & Gisela Sjøgaard & Markus Due Jakobsen & Emil Sundstrup & Mikkel Brandt & Lars Louis Andersen, 2015. "The Consequence of Combined Pain and Stress on Work Ability in Female Laboratory Technicians: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:12:y:2015:i:12:p:15024-15842:d:60484
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lars L Andersen & Thomas Clausen & Hermann Burr & Andreas Holtermann, 2012. "Threshold of Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity for Increased Risk of Long-Term Sickness Absence among Female Healthcare Workers in Eldercare," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(7), pages 1-6, July.
    2. Oili Kettunen & Timo Vuorimaa & Tommi Vasankari, 2014. "12-Mo Intervention of Physical Exercise Improved Work Ability, Especially in Subjects with Low Baseline Work Ability," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-11, April.
    3. Hurwitz, E.L. & Morgenstern, H. & Chiao, C., 2005. "Effects of recreational physical activity and back exercises on low back pain and psychological distress: Findings from the UCLA low back pain study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 95(10), pages 1817-1824.
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