Musculoskeletal symptoms of the neck and upper extremities among Iowa dairy farmers

Matthew W Nonnenmann; Dan Anton; Fredric Gerr; Linda Merlino; Kelley Donham

doi:10.1002/ajim.20582

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Musculoskeletal symptoms of the neck and upper extremities among Iowa dairy farmers

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Musculoskeletal symptoms of the neck and upper extremities among Iowa dairy farmers

Matthew W Nonnenmann, Dan Anton, Fredric Gerr, Linda Merlino and Kelley Donham

American journal of industrial medicine, Vol.51(6), pp.443-451

06/2008

DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20582

PMID: 18404686

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Abstract

The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) among U.S. dairy farmers is relatively unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of neck and upper extremity MSS, and to examine associations between symptoms and dairy operation activities among dairy farmers. Questionnaires were mailed to randomly selected dairy farmers in the State of Iowa, USA. Demographic, site specific MSS, and dairy operation activity information was obtained. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated with logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders. Among the participants (N = 341), shoulder MSS were reported most frequently (54%). Neck MSS were significantly associated with manually feeding (OR(adj) = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.09-4.80) and tractors use (OR(adj) = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.05-4.50). Also, wrist/hand MSS were associated with manually cleaning animal stalls (OR(adj) = 1.96; 95% CI = 1.06-3.63). Neck and upper extremity MSS were common and associated with common dairy farming practices. Future studies need to more accurately assess exposures to physical risk factors for MSS so ergonomic interventions can be developed.

Prevalence

Cross-Sectional Studies

Health Status Indicators

Occupational Exposure - adverse effects

Humans

Middle Aged

Risk Factors

Upper Extremity - injuries

Neck Pain - epidemiology

Upper Extremity - pathology

Male

Ergonomics

Health Surveys

Musculoskeletal Diseases - epidemiology

Female

Iowa - epidemiology

Surveys and Questionnaires

Agriculture

Pain Measurement

Dairy Products

Details

Title: Subtitle: Musculoskeletal symptoms of the neck and upper extremities among Iowa dairy farmers
Creators: Matthew W Nonnenmann - Department of Occupational Health Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas 75708-3154, USA
Dan Anton
Fredric Gerr
Linda Merlino
Kelley Donham
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: American journal of industrial medicine, Vol.51(6), pp.443-451
Publisher: United States
DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20582
PMID: 18404686
ISSN: 0271-3586
eISSN: 1097-0274
Grant note: U50 OH07548 / NIOSH CDC HHS
Language: English
Date published: 06/2008
Academic Unit: Occupational and Environmental Health; Epidemiology; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9983997309302771

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