Biopsychosocial factors and musculoskeletal symptoms of the lower extremities of saleswomen in department stores in Thailand.

OBJECTIVES

To identify individual, work-related physical and psychosocial factors associated with the self-reported prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the hip, knee and ankle/foot of saleswomen in department stores in Thailand.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in which 1,310 saleswomen in 18 department stores received a self-administered questionnaire. Returns were 1,200 (92%) questionnaires, and after screening for exclusion criteria, 1,189 saleswomen were found to be eligible for the study.

RESULTS

Having a child, number of working hours per day, frequency of body twisting during work and self-rated perception of light intensity in the workplace were each significantly associated with the prevalence of experiencing hip symptoms. Significant associations were found between age, number of hours per day required to stand or walk and self-rated perception of temperature in the workplace, and the prevalence of experiencing knee symptoms. The number of working hours per day and working days per week as well as frequency of working in static postures and rest breaks during work were each significantly related to the prevalence of experiencing ankle/foot symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Among saleswomen, various individual and work-related physical factors were identified as risks and preventive factors for musculoskeletal symptoms in the lower extremities. Further research should focus on these modifiable factors in order to develop effective strategies for reducing the occurrence of such symptoms in saleswomen.