A study of work ability and associated factors in aging office workers with non-communicable diseases and musculoskeletal disorders

Abstract

Aging workers has been linked with high prevalence of both musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Health status has a significant impact on work ability. This study compared work ability, using the Work Ability Index (WAI), among aging office workers with and without MSDs and NCDs and determined factors associated with WAI scores. A cross-sectional study was conducted among office workers aged between 45-60 years. An online questionnaire was adopted to collect data. Analyses were conducted using Mann-Whitney U test and multivariable logistic regression model. The results of 689 workers, 34%, 13%, 12%, and 41% reported MSDs, NCDs, MSDs + NCDs, and no MSDs / NCDs, respectively, in the past year. Median scores (interquartile range) of WAI were 37.0 (6) for MSDs, 37.0 (4) for NCDs, 34.5 (6) for MSDs + NCDs, and 40.0 (4) for no MSDs / NCDs. Significant difference in WAI scores was found between the MSDs and MSDs + NCDs (p < 0.05); and between the NCDs and MSDs + NCDs (p < 0.05). Female (ORadj 1.77, 95% CI: 1.2 – 2.6), high work experience (ORadj 1.04, 95% CI: 1.0 – 1.1), and low job control (adjusted OR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.9 – 1.0) were associated with reduced WAI scores (WAI ≤ 36). Aging office workers with either MSDs or NCDs had reduced work ability compared to healthy workers. Having MSDs + NCDs further reduced work ability. Attention is needed to develop interventions to reduce the impact of MSDs and NCDs on work ability in aging office workers.