Prevalence and multidimensional factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Chinese gas station...

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are common health issues, closely associated with occupational and individual factors. Although gas station workers are considered to be at high risk of WMSDs, systematic studies on this population remain scarce, with the characteristics and influencing factors unclarified. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 6 regional branches of a petroleum sales company. Basic information, WMSDs risk factors, and the prevalence of WMSDs among 14,680 participants were collected. 10,029(68.3%) reported WMSDs. The most commonly affected body sites were the neck (49.4%), lower back (44.7%), and shoulders (39.2%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified common risk factors for WMSDs in the neck, lower back, and shoulders, including age (OR = 1.02), working seniority (OR = 1.02), drinking (OR = 1.33 ~ 1.39), an uncomfortable posture while carrying heavy objects (OR = 1.35 ~ 1.40), prolonged forward neck leaning (OR = 1.42 ~ 1.99), sedentary work (OR = 1.18 ~ 1.28), working in understaffed departments (OR = 1.15 ~ 1.22), and encountering slippery floors(OR = 1.14 ~ 1.36). Furthermore, smoking (OR = 1.12 ~ 1.18) was a risk factor for WMSDs in the neck and shoulders, while prolonged bending (OR = 1.18 ~ 1.22) and high repetitive movements of the upper arms or fingers (OR = 1.12) were specific risk factors for WMSDs in the lower back. A high prevalence of WMSDs was observed among gas station employees, with the neck, lower back and shoulders being the most commonly affected body sites. Multifactorial determinants were identified across personal, ergonomic, organizational, and environmental dimensions. Common risk factors across all three sites included older age, longer work seniority, alcohol consumption, uncomfortable lifting postures, prolonged forward neck leaning, sedentary work, working in understaffed departments, and encountering slippery floors. Smoking was additionally associated with neck and shoulder WMSDs, while prolonged bending and high frequency repetitive movements of the upper arms or fingers were specific risk factors for lower back WMSDs. These findings highlight the need for integrated, multi-level interventions targeting modifiable risk factors in this occupational group.