Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms in salespersons

Salespersons are required to stand for long periods of time during work. Prolonged standing is one physical factor contributing to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms in the working population.

To estimate the 12-month prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms in the head/neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists/hands, upper back, low back, hips, knees and ankles/feet in salespersons.

A cross-sectional survey using a descriptive questionnaire was used to evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms in 1310 female salespersons in 18 department stores.

Of the 1200 subjects (92%) who completed the questionnaire, 1189 were eligible for inclusion in the study. The 1-year prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms was 77%. The ankle/foot (35%) was the most frequently affected body region followed by low back (34%), knees (33%), hips (28%), shoulders (28%), head/neck (26%), upper back (21%), wrists/hands (14%) and elbows (3%). The older the salespersons were, the more likely they were to report knee symptoms (P < 0.05). Salespersons with a body mass index (BMI) >23 kg/m(2) were more likely to report knee symptoms than those with a BMI <18.5 kg/m(2) (P < 0.05).

Musculoskeletal symptoms are common among salespersons with a high proportion experiencing symptoms in the low back, knees and ankles/feet. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the knees is associated with age and BMI. Attention should be given to developing specific measures to reduce or prevent musculoskeletal symptoms in salespersons.