The 1998 Quebec Health Survey is a provincially mandated survey of a representative sample of the Quebec (Canada) population with approximately 20,000 respondents. In 1998, an extensive section was added on work and occupational health. This section permitted us to measure the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems in the working population with three different measures: (1) serious musculoskeletal health problems of long duration; (2) pain in 11 body sites experienced over the previous 12 months that interfere with activities; (3) pain in 11 body sites experienced in the past 7 days. Perceptions of relationship of symptoms to work were studied. The survey also sought the prevalence of exposure to various physical and psychosocial workplace hazards: e.g. repetitive work of the hands and arms, manipulation of heavy loads, walking/standing/sitting posture, vibration, job strain, workplace violence, sexual harassment. The prevalence of each measure of musculoskeletal problems was studied in relation to age, BMI, occupation and exposure to various physical hazards. Separate analyses were conducted for each gender. We will present the data by gender on the prevalence of various workplace hazards as well as prevalence of various musculoskeletal problems and their associations with the above-mentioned variables. For symptoms over the past 12 months, we will present data on modified work and work absence. Although the results of these preliminary analyses have been reported to the Quebec Health Survey Office, we are not permitted to release these results until September 2000. Therefore we have not included the results in this abstract.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the participant will be able to: (1)describe the prevalence of diverse musculoskeletal problems and exposures to physical and psychosocial hazards among Quebec workers; (2) recognize the differences in prevalence of these health problems and exposures between men and women; (3)List five occupational exposures associated with musculoskeletal problems
Keywords: Occupational Health, Women's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.