• Anne Punakallio, Sirpa Lusa, Ritva Luukkonen, Auli Airila, and Päivi Leino-Arjas.
• From the Physical Work Capacity Team (Drs Punakallio and Lusa), Statistical Services Team (Dr Luukkonen), Work Life in Transition Team (Ms Airila), and Work-related Diseases Team (Dr Leino-Arjas), Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.
• J. Occup. Environ. Med. 2014 Apr 1;56(4):367-75.

ObjectiveTo identify work ability trajectories among Finnish firefighters during a 13-year follow-up. We examined whether baseline musculoskeletal pain and depressive symptoms (DPS) predicted membership of the trajectories.MethodsWe studied 411 male firefighters who responded to a questionnaire at both baseline and at least one of two follow-ups. The outcome variable was perceived work ability (0 to 10). The predictors were musculoskeletal and depressive symptoms. Covariates included age, diseases, lifestyle habits, and work-related factors.ResultsOne fourth of the firefighters belonged to the Diminished work ability trajectory. Musculoskeletal and depressive symptoms, lifestyle risks and diseases, and, in separate analyses, low back pain, were strong predictors of this.ConclusionsWhen planning preventive actions and workplace health promotion among firefighters, even one site musculoskeletal pain and mild signs of depression should be taken into account. Prevention of adverse lifestyle habits is also essential.

21 keywords...

hide…