Biopsychosocial risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms of the spine in salespeople.

This study aimed to identify biopsychosocial factors associated with the self-reported prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the spine in saleswomen in department stores. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in which 1310 saleswomen in 18 department stores received a self-administered questionnaire. Returns were 1200 (92%) questionnaires, and after screening for exclusion criteria, 1189 saleswomen were eligible for the study. Standing/walking for > 10 hours/day, as well as frequent working in static postures and twisting the body during work were each significantly associated with a high prevalence of experiencing head/neck symptoms. A significant association was found between standing/walking for > 10 hours/ day and a high prevalence of experiencing upper back symptoms. Working for > 10 hours/day, standing/walking for > 5 hours/day without rest breaks, as well as frequent working in static postures and sitting during work were each significantly related to a high prevalence of experiencing lower back symptoms. Surprisingly, poor self-rated perceptions of physical work environments significantly correlated with a low prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in all spinal regions.