Comparison Between Musculoskeletal Pain and Gender-Specific, Non-gendered Job-Exposure Matrix and Self-reported...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Epidemiology
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a significant global health issue, leading to substantial sick leave and disability.
• Existing research indicates gender differences in MSD prevalence and impact, particularly concerning physical work exposures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between physical work exposures, using a gender-specific CONSTANCES Job-Exposure Matrix (JEM), and self-reported musculoskeletal pain in six body areas.
• To compare these findings with a non-gendered CONSTANCES JEM and individual self-reported exposures.
• To investigate gender-specific differences in these associations.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 48,736 males and 63,326 females from the CONSTANCES cohort (France).
• Logistic regression used to assess associations between 27 physical exposures and self-reported pain in neck, shoulder, elbow/arm, hand/wrist, low back, and knee/leg.
• Comparisons made between gender-specific JEM, non-gendered JEM, and self-reported exposures, adjusted for age and BMI, with analyses stratified by gender.

Main Results:

• Associations derived from gender-specific and non-gendered JEMs were largely similar.
• Odds ratios from self-reported exposures generally aligned with JEM-based findings, except for exposures like 'change tasks', 'rest eyes', and 'reach behind'.
• Some differences in the direction and significance of effects between genders were observed, irrespective of JEM type.

Conclusions:

• Developing gender-specific JEMs for physical work exposures may not be essential, as gender-specific and non-gendered JEMs yielded comparable results.
• Stratifying analyses by gender is crucial for accurately predicting musculoskeletal pain.
• Further research may explore nuanced gender-based differences in occupational exposures and MSDs.