Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Industrial Employees in Beijing

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Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Industrial Employees in a Modern Industrial Region in Beijing, China

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a significant occupational health challenge globally, particularly in industrial settings. In China, rapid industrialization has amplified concerns about work-related injuries, yet modernized industrial environments may introduce distinct risk profiles compared to traditional sectors. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence, anatomical distribution, and risk factors of MSDs among employees in a contemporary industrial cluster in Beijing’s Fangshan district, a region characterized by advanced manufacturing processes. The findings highlight evolving patterns of MSDs linked to mechanization, sedentary roles, and socioeconomic dynamics, offering critical insights for targeted prevention strategies.

Study Design and Methodology

Conducted between January and May 2018, the study enrolled 1,415 employees from six equipment manufacturing companies in Fangshan district, a hub contributing over 29 billion RMB annually to Beijing’s economy. Participants were categorized into two groups: frontline workers (n=830), engaged in material processing and manual tasks, and other staff (n=585), including office personnel, technicians, and support roles. Inclusion criteria required a minimum of six months’ job tenure and ages between 18–60 years. Data were collected via electronic questionnaires incorporating the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), validated for reliability in Chinese populations. Variables assessed included demographics, lifestyle habits (smoking, exercise), health status, healthcare access, and work-related factors (shift patterns, job tenure).

Prevalence and Anatomical Distribution of MSDs

Among participants, 35.2% (498/1,415) reported MSDs in at least one body region during the preceding year. The neck (25.2%), shoulders (17.2%), and upper back (13.3%) were the most affected areas, contrasting with historical emphasis on lower back pain in traditional industries. Frontline workers exhibited higher rates of wrist/hand (12.7% vs. 7.7%) and ankle/foot symptoms (9.8% vs. 4.6%) compared to other staff, likely due to prolonged standing and repetitive manual tasks. Conversely, other staff reported more shoulder pain (19.7% vs. 15.4%), potentially linked to sedentary computer use. Notably, only 15.9% (79/498) of affected individuals sought medical care, underscoring underreporting and barriers to healthcare access.

Risk Factor Analysis

Binary logistic regression identified divergent risk profiles between groups:

Frontline Workers

  • Age: Risk increased with age (30–39 years: OR=1.63, 95% CI=1.16–2.29; ≥40 years: OR=2.33, 95% CI=1.40–3.87).
  • Income: Paradoxically, mid-range salaries (2,500–4,999 RMB/month) reduced risk (OR=0.49, 95% CI=0.33–0.73) compared to low-income peers (<2,500 RMB/month), while high income (≥7,500 RMB/month) showed no significant effect.
  • Night Shifts: Graveyard shifts (0:00–8:00) elevated risk (OR=1.46, 95% CI=1.05–2.04).
  • Health Factors: Recent illness (OR=5.60 for treated cases; OR=4.19 for untreated) and chronic diseases (OR=3.45 for one condition; OR=7.81 for multiple) strongly predicted MSDs.
  • Healthcare Behavior: Limited health information access (OR=0.49, 95% CI=0.30–0.79) and self-treatment tendencies (OR=1.77–2.75) exacerbated risk.

Other Staff

  • Gender: Females faced higher risk (OR=2.30, 95% CI=1.53–3.47).
  • Education: College-educated employees had elevated risk (OR=1.96, 95% CI=1.30–2.97).
  • Exercise: Regular exercise reduced risk (OR=0.59, 95% CI=0.37–0.94).
  • Healthcare Access: Distance to medical facilities (>2 km: OR=1.83, 95% CI=1.17–2.88) and limited health information (OR=0.53, 95% CI=0.32–0.88) influenced outcomes.

Key Findings and Implications

  1. Shift in MSD Patterns: Mechanization and automation in modern industries may explain reduced lower back pain prevalence (7.9% in frontline workers, 9.4% in others) compared to historical data, alongside rising upper body complaints linked to computerized workflows.
  2. Socioeconomic Paradox: Highly educated and high-income staff faced elevated MSD risks, contradicting traditional associations between low socioeconomic status and MSDs. This suggests occupational roles with high cognitive demands, prolonged sedentary postures, or stress-related mechanisms contribute to musculoskeletal strain.
  3. Healthcare Utilization Barriers: Despite symptom prevalence, low consultation rates (15.9%) highlight systemic issues, including limited health literacy, financial constraints, and inadequate workplace health services.
  4. Prevention Strategies: Tailored interventions are critical. For frontline workers, ergonomic improvements (e.g., anti-fatigue mats, tool redesign) and shift rotation may mitigate physical strain. For office staff, posture training, screen-time management, and stress reduction programs are priorities. Both groups benefit from expanded health education via multiple channels (workshops, digital platforms) and strengthened occupational health partnerships.

Methodological Considerations

The study’s cross-sectional design limits causal inference, and self-reported data introduce potential recall bias. However, the NMQ’s validation and large sample size strengthen reliability. Future longitudinal studies could clarify temporal relationships between risk factors and MSD onset, while integrating objective measures (e.g., electromyography, ergonomic assessments) would enhance precision.

Conclusion

This study underscores the evolving nature of MSDs in China’s modern industrial landscape, driven by technological advancements and shifting occupational demands. The distinct risk profiles between frontline and non-frontline employees necessitate stratified prevention approaches. Addressing healthcare access barriers, promoting workplace wellness programs, and fostering collaboration between industries and healthcare providers are vital to reducing the personal and economic burden of MSDs.

doi.org/10.1097/CM9.0000000000000165

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