International archives of occupational and environmental health
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Int Arch Occup Environ Health · Aug 2012
A prospective cohort study on musculoskeletal risk factors for long-term sickness absence among healthcare workers in eldercare.
The socioeconomic burden of sickness absence from musculoskeletal disorders is considerable. However, knowledge about the risk of sickness absence from pain in different body regions among specific job groups is needed to more efficiently target preventative strategies. This study estimates the risk of long-term sickness absence (LTSA) from pain in different body regions among healthcare workers. ⋯ Musculoskeletal pain is a risk factor for LTSA among healthcare workers. Future research among healthcare workers in eldercare should include the management of neck/shoulder and knee pain in addition to the management of back pain.