Risk factors associated with shoulder pain among assembly electronic workers

Abstract

This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to assess ergonomics risk and risk factors of shoulder pain. One hundred and sixty- eight electronic workers were conducted by assessment of ergonomics risk with Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and shoulder discomfort by applied Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires CMDQ. Risk factors were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis. The result showed that, among 168 electronic workers, 73.2% were female. Electronic workers had most complaints of shoulder discomfort at low level (34.5%). Thirty-nine percent of electronic workers had ergonomics risk at moderate risk level (further investigate, continuously monitoring) and 38.1% had high risk level (implemented change soon). The very high risk (level 4; implemented change immediately) was found 21.4% predominated in workers who controlled machine repetitively. Significant risk factors of shoulder pain from multivariate analysis was repetitive work (OR_adj=2.29, 95%CI =1.04-5.05, p-value=0.040). Protective factors of shoulder pain were education lower than high school (OR_adj=0.31, 95%CI= 0.11-0.88, p-value=0.027) and experience at present position less than three years (OR_adj=0.26, 95%CI=0.09-0.70, p-value=0.007). This study explained that the high ergonomics risk of shoulder pain among electronic workers depends on task and posture characteristics. Repetitive work was risk factor associated with the shoulder pain. Therefore, there should be an improvement of workstation and the characteristic of controlling machine. Health surveillance program should be promoted in order to prevent chronic shoulder pain.