The mediating role of work-related musculoskeletal disorders on the link between psychosocial factors and absenteeism among administrative workers

Soc Work Public Health. 2015;30(1):64-74. doi: 10.1080/19371918.2014.938393. Epub 2014 Nov 6.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the association between psychosocial factors (i.e., job demand, decision latitude, social support, physical environment, and personal risk factors), work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs), and productivity as measured by workers' perceived absenteeism. Data were collected from the selected administrative workers (administrative assistant) and analyzed using cross tabulation. The results indicate that all psychological factors are not significantly associated with WRMDs, except for the association between personal risk factors and hip/thigh disorders. Subsequently, WRMDs do not significantly contribute to explaining absenteeism. The managerial and research implications of this study are deliberately discussed.

Keywords: Absenteeism; administrative workers; psychosocial factors; work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absenteeism*
  • Administrative Personnel*
  • Decision Making
  • Efficiency
  • Environment
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / psychology*
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Occupational Diseases / psychology*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Support
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Workload