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The relative contribution of work exposure, leisure time exposure, and individual characteristics in the onset of arm–wrist–hand and neck–shoulder symptoms among office workers

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Abstract

Purpose

To identify the risk factors for the onset of arm–wrist–hand and neck–shoulder symptoms among office workers and to estimate the relative contribution of these risk factors by calculating Population Attributable Fractions (PAFs).

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted among 1951 office workers with a follow-up duration of 2 years. Data on self-reported risk factors were collected at baseline and after 1 year of follow-up. Every 3 months, the occurrence of upper extremity symptoms was assessed using questionnaires. PAFs for individual risk factors were estimated based on Rate ratios (RRs) obtained from Poisson regression using Generalized Estimation Equations.

Results

Previous disabling symptoms were identified as the most important risk factor for the onset of arm–wrist–hand and neck–shoulder symptoms. Modifiable risk factors for arm–wrist–hand symptoms with relatively large PAFs were: at least 4 h per day of self-reported computer use at work, high level of overcommitment, and low task variation and for neck-shoulder symptoms: supporting the arms during keyboard use and at least 4 h per day of self-reported mouse use at work. Compared to having 0 or 1 risk factor, the RR for arm–wrist–hand symptoms increased to 6.2 (95% CI 3.7–10.5) for having 5–7 potentially modifiable risk factors and for neck–shoulder symptoms to 3.0 (95% CI 2.1–4.4) for having 4 or 5 potentially modifiable risk factors.

Conclusion

Preventive interventions at the population level should be aimed at changing modifiable risk factors with large PAFs. At the individual level, preventive interventions should be aimed at changing multiple modifiable risk factors simultaneously.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Maaike A. Huysmans, Stefan IJmker, Willem van Mechelen & Allard J. van der Beek

  2. Body@Work Research Centre on Physical Activity, Work and Health, TNO-VU/VUmc, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Maaike A. Huysmans, Stefan IJmker, Birgitte M. Blatter, Willem van Mechelen, Paulien M. Bongers & Allard J. van der Beek

  3. Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO, Polarisavenue 151, 2132 JJ, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands

    Stefan IJmker, Birgitte M. Blatter & Paulien M. Bongers

  4. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Dirk L. Knol

  5. P.O. Box 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Maaike A. Huysmans

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  1. Maaike A. Huysmans
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Correspondence to Maaike A. Huysmans.

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Huysmans, M.A., IJmker, S., Blatter, B.M. et al. The relative contribution of work exposure, leisure time exposure, and individual characteristics in the onset of arm–wrist–hand and neck–shoulder symptoms among office workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 85, 651–666 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-011-0717-5

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