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Patterns in the Occurrence and Duration of Musculoskeletal Pain and Interference with Work among Eldercare Workers—A One-Year Longitudinal Study with Measurements Every Four Weeks

Author

Listed:
  • Charlotte Diana Nørregaard Rasmussen

    (National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark)

  • Kristina Karstad

    (National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark)

  • Karen Søgaard

    (Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics and Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark)

  • Reiner Rugulies

    (National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
    Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Nørregade 10, 1165 København, Denmark
    Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Nørregade 10, 1165 København, Denmark)

  • Alex Burdorf

    (Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Andreas Holtermann

    (National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
    Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics and Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine patterns of musculoskeletal pain episodes over time. We conducted a one-year follow-up study among 275 eldercare workers with measurements of musculoskeletal pain (low back pain (LBP) and neck/shoulder pain (NSP)) and pain-related work interference (PWI) reported via text message every four weeks. We found a constant, high four-weekly prevalence of LBP and NSP (between 61% and 72%). The distributions of pain episodes for LBP and NSP were similar with approximately 30% of the episodes being 7 days or less per four weeks. There was also a high recurrence of pain, with 33% reporting LBP or NSP every four weeks. In addition, 24% had pain at every measurement in both the low back and neck/shoulder regions combined throughout the year. On days with LBP or NSP, approximately 59% also reported interference with work, and 18% of the eldercare workers reported that pain interfered with their work all measurements throughout the year. A high proportion of eldercare workers reported pain every four weeks throughout the year and the four-weekly prevalence of pain remained high and constant on a group level. During most days with pain, eldercare workers were hampered in their regular work activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Charlotte Diana Nørregaard Rasmussen & Kristina Karstad & Karen Søgaard & Reiner Rugulies & Alex Burdorf & Andreas Holtermann, 2019. "Patterns in the Occurrence and Duration of Musculoskeletal Pain and Interference with Work among Eldercare Workers—A One-Year Longitudinal Study with Measurements Every Four Weeks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-12, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:16:p:2990-:d:259092
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chao Wang & Run Pu & Bishwajit Ghose & Shangfeng Tang, 2018. "Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain, Self-Reported Health and Quality of Life among Older Populations in South Africa and Uganda," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-13, December.
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