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Relations between occupational, psychosocial and individual factors and three different categories of back disorder among supermarket workers

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Abstract

Objectives: Up-to-date store-wide studies regarding low back pain (LBP) among supermarket/hypermarket workers are lacking. We investigated 12-month store-wide prevalence of different categories of LBP and possible associated biomechanical, individual/psychosocial risk factors across a large supermarket/hypermarket chain. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of 3,702 subjects working in a group of small/medium-sized supermarkets (n=100) and large hypermarkets (n=7) belonging to a single chain in central-northern Italy applying established ergonomics/job-satisfaction policies. Data regarding the various departments were collected by a medical check-list, physical examination and questionnaire—all conducted by qualified physicians—and were analyzed in relation to a comprehensive biomechanical risk analysis. Results: The overall 12-month prevalence of LBP in our sample (with a 82% response rate) was 34.5% (36.6% for females and 30.7% for males), with few differences being found between supermarkets and hypermarkets. Different types of LBP showed significant associations with stress-related psychosomatic symptoms, but not with job satisfaction (which was high). Conclusions: These encouraging data provide relevant information regarding workers operating in supermarkets/hypermarkets with an active commitment to ergonomic and job-satisfaction policies.

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Acknowledgments

We are grateful to Giovanni Sanguinetti MD for providing essential orientative information about the company; to Giuseppe Malenchini MD, Ladislao Margiotta MD, Massimo Naldi MD, Maria Concetta Nucci MD, Sandra Olanda MD and Chiara Sassi MD for data collection and to Robin M.T. Cooke MA for writing assistance and scientific editing.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Occupational Health Unit (Medicina del Lavoro), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Policlinico Sant’Orsola Malpighi, Via Palagi 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy

    Francesco S. Violante, Francesca Graziosi, Roberta Bonfiglioli, Stefania Curti & Stefano Mattioli

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  1. Francesco S. Violante
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  2. Francesca Graziosi
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  3. Roberta Bonfiglioli
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  4. Stefania Curti
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  5. Stefano Mattioli
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Correspondence to Francesco S. Violante.

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Violante, F.S., Graziosi, F., Bonfiglioli, R. et al. Relations between occupational, psychosocial and individual factors and three different categories of back disorder among supermarket workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 78, 613–624 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-005-0002-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-005-0002-6

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