Journal List > Korean J Occup Environ Med > v.24(3) > 1125591

Lee, Kim, Kim, Kwon, and Kang: Risk Factors for Absenteeism due to Work related Musculo-skeletal Disorders among Korean Employees

Abstract

Objectives

Absenteeism due to musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs) of workers is an important index of occupational health. Since research on its causes is rare in Korea, the risk factors for absenteeism due to MSDs should be studied.

Methods

Using the 2nd Korean working condition survey data, we investigated the prevalence of absenteeism due to MSDs. We also analyzed the risk factors for absenteeism by multiple logistic regression analysis in Korean employees.

Results

Prevalence of absenteeism due to MSDs was 0.7% in all employees, 0.5% in men, and 0.9% in women. In logistic regression analysis, gender, age, presence of a representative worker organization, working on tight deadlines, and pace of work dependent on automated equipment/machine were risk factors of absenteeism due to MSDs for both sexes. For males, working time, working at a very high speed were additional risk factors. For females, pace of work dependent on numerical production, performance, and targets were additional risk factors. Although not included in the multiple logistic regression analysis, handling heavy loads in both sexes and average monthly income for women were risk factors in the univariate analysis.

Conclusions

For absenteeism due to MSDs, the presence of a representative worker organization, along with work pace and its determinants were important risk factors.

Figures and Tables

Table 1
General characteristics of study subjects by gender
kjoem-24-239-i001

*unweighted case number of workers, proportion by each category in all workers weighting value of second Korean Working Condition Survey, p value comparing gender by Rao Scott X2 test.

Table 2
Prevalence of absenteeism by work related musculo-skeletal disorders according to general characteristics
kjoem-24-239-i002

*unweighted case number of workers, proportion by each category in all workers weighting value of second Korean Working Condition Survey, p value comparing gender by Rao Scott X2 test.

Table 3
Prevalence of absenteeism by work related musculo-skeletal disorders according to working conditions
kjoem-24-239-i003

*unweighted case number of workers.

proportion of cases in each category weighting value of second Korean working condition survey.

p value comparing by Rao Scott X2 test.

Table 4
Prevalence of absenteeism by work related musculo-skeletal disorders according to ergonomic and physical risk factors over 1/4 work hour
kjoem-24-239-i004

*unweighted case number of workers.

proportion of cases in each category weighting value of second Korean working condition survey.

p value comparing by Rao Scott X2 test.

Table 5
Prevalence of absentieesm by work related musculo-skeletal disorders according to working pace, repetitive task, social supporting, work autonomy
kjoem-24-239-i005

*unweighted case number of workers.

proportion of cases in each category weighting value of second Korean working condition survey.

p value comparing by Rao Scott X2 test.

Table 6
Multiple logistic regression analysis for absenteeism due to musculo-skeletal disorder (MSD) and risk factors
kjoem-24-239-i006

*odds ratio in multiple logistic regression analysis by proc surveylogistic.

confidence interval in multiple logistic regression analysis.

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