Associations between eyestrain and neck-shoulder symptoms among callcenter operators

摘要

Objectives Few, if any, studies have investigated whether eyestrain and shoulder-neck symptoms are correlated, although functional links could be expected on the basis of neurophysiological evidence. This cross-sectional study assessed correlations between self-reported eyestrain and shoulder-neck symptoms among call center workers, while controlling for possible confounders for these ailments.rnMethods A questionnaire concerning socioeconomic background, work conditions, and symptoms was mailed to 1531 employees at 28 different call centers during 2001-2003.rnResults Altogether 21% of the responding participants (N=l 183) reported both eyestrain and neck-shoulder symptoms, 46% reported neck-shoulder symptoms only, and 6% reported eye symptoms only; 27% were free from symptoms in these regions. A significant positive association was found between eyestrain and neck-shoulder symptoms. Significant covariates for shoulder-neck disorders were eyestrain (OR 1.6, P=0.007), gender (to be female) (OR 1.9, P < 0.001), irritation index (OR 1.2, P=0.03), and feeling stressed (OR 1.2, P=0.001). In a multi-nominal regression analysis, gender (female) (OR 1.9, P=0.002), feeling stressed (OR 1.3, P=0.002), feelings of distress (OR 1.7, P < 0.001), computer problems (OR 1.3, P=0.002), and social support (OR 0.6, P=0.003) were significant predictors of eye-neck symptoms.rnConclusions The results from this study suggest an association between self-reported eyestrain and shoulder-neck symptoms. However, no causal relations could be derived due to the cross-sectional design.