Relation between musculoskeletal discomfort with individuals and job characteristics in workers

Introduction
Multiple studies show that the origin of the musculoskeletal discomfort is of occupational origin, and are marked by some individual characteristics of the workers. Studies have also been reported that although the mechanism generating such discomfort is similar for the body overall, impact upon various areas is differentiated, with some showing more susceptibility than others.

Methods
A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted with 570 industrial sector workers in the Mexican state of Jalisco. Socio-demographic and employment data were gathered before applying the standardized questionnaires for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms. Data were analyzed using SPSS.

Results
There was a greater relationship between musculoskeletal discomfort in women than in men. This gender difference was evident in eight of the nine analyzed body areas. With regard to the job the 76.9% were blue collar workers, 7.5% administrative and the 15.6% were managers. The 46.1% had rotation of turns and the 76.9% worked more than 40 hours per week. In relation to personal variables the 79.9% were male and the rest women (20.1%); the ages of the 84.1% were between the ages of 20 and 50; the 35.1% had completed high school and the 70.1 per cent had a relationship.

Discussion
Results confirm that musculoskeletal discomfort in certain areas of the body, have relation with the job characteristics and that this effect is greater in women than in men. These results reinforce the need for implementing measures in the workplace, in order to improve general worker health conditions.