J Korean Acad Community Health Nurs.  2013 Sep;24(3):314-322. 10.12799/jkachn.2013.24.3.314.

Associations between Job Stress and Work-related Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Street Sanitation Workers

• Kim HJ
• June KJ
• Shin G
• Choo J

• KMID: 2292748
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12799/jkachn.2013.24.3.314

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of the study was to examine associations between job stress and work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WRMS) in street sanitation workers.
METHODS
A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted with 87 male street sanitation workers at E Gu in Seoul. The Job stress and WRMS were measured by using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short Form and the KOSHA GUIDE H-9-2012 instrument, respectively. The WRMS was evaluated according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health criteria.
RESULTS
The participants reported greater levels of insufficient job control and interpersonal conflict than the general Korean population. Of the participants, 44.8% reported WRMS at any body parts. Specifically, 28.7% reported WRMS at upper parts, while 16.5% reported WRMS at lower parts. Compared to low levels of job demand, its high levels were significantly associated with WRMS at both upper and lower parts of the body (OR=3.62, 95% CI=1.15~11.38; OR=3.60, 95% CI=1.04~12.39). Compared to low levels of occupational climate, its high levels were significantly associated with WRMS at upper parts of the body (OR=3.18, 95% CI=1.22~8.26).
CONCLUSION
Among street sanitation workers, job stress may be a correlate of WRMS. Therefore, nursing strategies for reducing job stress are needed to prevent and manage WRMS.

Keyword

Psychological stress; Musculoskeletal diseases; Sanitation

MeSH Terms

Climate
Human Body
Humans
Male
Musculoskeletal Diseases
Occupational Health
Sanitation*
Stress, Psychological

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