Long-term back problems and physical work exposures in the 1990 Ontario health survey
J.P. Liira,
H.S. Shannon,
L.W. Chambers and
T.A. Haines
American Journal of Public Health, 1996, vol. 86, issue 3, 382-387
Abstract:
Objectives. This study sought to provide data on the relationship of work exposures to long-term back problems in a population survey. Methods. The Ontario Health Survey in 1990 used a representative population sample of the province. It included data on long-term back problems, occupational activity, and physical work exposures. The current study examined relationships between these variables. Results. The prevalence of long-term back problems was 7.8% in working-age adults. It generally increased with age. Long-term back problems were more prevalent in blue-collar occupations and among those not working, as well as among people with less formal education, smokers, and those overweight. Physical work exposures-awkward working position, working with vibrating vehicles or equipment, and bending and lifting-were all associated with a greater risk of back problems. The number of simultaneous physical exposures was monotonically related to increased risk. Conclusions. Within the limitations of the data and assuming the relationship to be causal, about one quarter of the excess back pain morbidity in the working population could be explained by physical work exposures.
Date: 1996
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:
There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.
Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.
Export reference: BibTeX
RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan)
HTML/Text
Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:1996:86:3:382-387_8
Access Statistics for this article
American Journal of Public Health is currently edited by Alfredo Morabia
More articles in American Journal of Public Health from American Public Health Association
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Christopher F Baum ().