Being female is often described as a "risk factor" for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), because many studies of the general population and large employed groups have reported prevalences twice as high among women as men. In a non-exhaustive sample of the literature, female:male MSD rates were compared after adjustment for differences in occupational ergonomic exposures, often not reported directly. This gender ratio was equal or close to 1 for back pain in most studies examined; for upper extremity disorders it was 2 or higher in only about one-third each of analyses of the proximal and distal regions. Some data suggested that men experienced more MSDs than women when exposed to similar levels of physical stressors, although women may have a higher background risk; women may also be more likely than men to leave work due to work-related MSDs. To the extent that women are at higher risk of occurrence, different occupational exposures might be responsible, either because women are concentrated in physically repetitive jobs with low decision latitude or because many work sites accommodate women's anthropometry even less than men's. Possibly relevant non-occupational factors include household work, recreational activities, pain reporting and health care seeking behavior, muscle strength, tendon and muscle composition, and effects of circulating endocrine hormones; none of these has been investigated adequately, especially with respect to possible interaction with occupational ergonomic exposures. The predictors of MSD outcomes such as disability, economic losses, and social and family burden have also been little studied among women.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant will be able to: 1. Distinguish between overall gender differences in frequency of musculoskeletal disorders and evidence (or lack thereof) for differential susceptibility to ergonomic stressors in the workplace. 2. List six possible mechanisms for higher MSD risk among women than men and describe the relevant research needs, in general terms
Keywords: Women's Health, Ergonomics
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.