Predictors of Work-Related Repetitive Strain Injuries in a Population Cohort

Abstract

Objectives. We assessed predictors of work-related repetitive strain injuries using data from 4 waves of the Canadian National Population Health Survey. Methods. Participants were 2806 working adults who completed an abbreviated version of the Job Content Questionnaire in 1994–1995 and did not experience repetitive strain injuries prior to 2000–2001. Potential previous wave predictors of work-related repetitive strain injuries were modeled via multivariate logistic regression. Results. Female gender (odds ratio [OR] = 1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.24, 3.18), some college or university education (OR=1.98; 95% CI=1.06, 3.70), job insecurity (OR=1.76; 95% CI=1.07, 2.91), high physical exertion levels (OR = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.29, 3.12), and high levels of psychological demands (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.02, 2.52) were all positively associated with work-related repetitive strain injuries, whereas working less than 30 hours per week exhibited a negative association with such injuries (OR=0.2; 95% CI=0.1, 0.7). Conclusions. Modifiable job characteristics are important predictors of work-related repetitive strain injuries.