Disorders of the cervicobrachial region among female workers in the electronics industry: A two-year follow up

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Abstract

In an initial group of 96 female employees in the electronics manufacturing industry, 69 were followed for two years. Disorders of the cervicobrachial region were assessed at the outset of the study and after one and two years. Initially 11% of the subjects had severe symptoms and after one year the figure was 24%. Thirty-eight subjects were then reallocated to more varied tasks and improved (16% with severe symptoms), whereas those with unchanged working tasks deteriorated further (26%).

Predictors of deterioration were previous physically heavy jobs, high productivity (after one year), and previous sick leave. Predictors of improvement were reallocation, physical activity in spare time, and high productivity (after two years). Predictors of “remaining healthy” were work without elevating the shoulders, and satisfaction with work tasks. Low muscle strength was not a predictor of deterioration; rather the opposite was suggested in one analysis.

The results demonstrate that these disorders are work-related and can be influenced by work organizational factors, e.g. reallocation.

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Presently at Sundsvall/Härnösand University College, Box 860, S-851 24 Sundsvall, Sweden.

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