Upper extremity disorders in heavy industry workers in Greece

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Epidemiology
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Heavy industry workers face risks of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders.
• Assessing disability and its contributing factors is crucial for worker well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and factors associated with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders in shipyard workers.
• To understand the relationship between these disorders and demographic, occupational, and health-related variables.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 802 shipyard employees in Greece (2006-2009).
• Utilized questionnaires: Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QD), Work Ability Index (WAI), and SF-36 Health Survey.
• Employed multiple linear regression analysis to identify significant associations.

Main Results:

• Most workers reported minimal disability (QD score < 5%).
• Older age, lower basic education, and poorer physical/emotional health were associated with increased restrictions.
• Reduced work ability (WAI) showed a significant negative association with upper extremity disability.

Conclusions:

• Older age, lower educational attainment, and compromised physical/mental health are risk factors for upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders.
• Reduced working ability is strongly correlated with increased disability in this population.
• Targeted interventions focusing on these factors may mitigate musculoskeletal issues in industrial settings.