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Work is a risk factor for adolescent musculoskeletal pain
Debbie Ehrmann Feldman1, Ian Shrier, Michel Rossignol
1Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire en santé, école de réadaptation, département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada. debbie.feldman@umontreal.ca
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|October 24, 2002
Summary
Working adolescents experience higher rates of musculoskeletal pain. This study found a 38% annual incidence, highlighting the need for workplace prevention strategies for young workers.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Occupational Health
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Musculoskeletal pain is a significant health concern in adolescents.
- The impact of work on adolescent musculoskeletal health is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of musculoskeletal pain in adolescents.
- To investigate if work is a risk factor for developing musculoskeletal pain in this age group.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 502 seventh to ninth graders completed questionnaires over 12 months.
- Data collected included musculoskeletal health, lifestyle factors, and work status.
- Statistical analysis used adjusted odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI).
Main Results:
- The annual incidence of musculoskeletal pain was 38%.
- Adolescents who worked had a higher risk of developing pain (OR: 1.62, CI: 0.96–2.76).
- White-collar jobs posed a greater risk compared to blue-collar or childcare roles.
Conclusions:
- Work is associated with the development of musculoskeletal pain in adolescents.
- Prevention strategies should be implemented in adolescent workplaces.
- Further research into specific job-related risks is warranted.