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Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation 20 (2007) 21–27 IOS Press

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Work-related musculoskeletal problems among pharmaceutical sales representatives in Samsun, Turkey
Berna Tandera,∗, Sevgi Canbaz b, Ferhan Canturka and Yildiz Peksen b
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ondokuz Mayis University School of Medicine, Samsun, Turkey b Department of Public Health,Ondokuz Mayis University School of Medicine, Samsun, Turkey
a

Abstract. Objectives: Many studies have been performed about work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMSP) in various groups of professions. However pharmaceutical sales representatives (PSRs) have not been investigated with regard to their musculoskeletal problems related to their works. This study was aimed to investigate theprevalence of work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMSP) and depression among PSRs; the quality of life in these subjects and to investigate which socio-demographic variables are associated with the presence of complaints, in Turkey. Methods: Among 170 participants, 73.5% completed the survey. A face-to-face questionnaire was given and SF-36 (Short Form-36) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were applied.Results: The highest frequencies of WRMSP were in low back (55.4%) and shoulder (41.1%). The most frequently self-reported complaints of the PSRs were long time standing at work (68.8%) and driving long distances (61.6%). There was significant difference between the groups with and without WRMSP all subgroups of SF-36 test (p < 0.05). Fourteen of the participants had depression according to BDI.There was a negative correlation between SF-36 and BDI scores (p < 0.05). Conclusions: WRMSP is common among PSRs in Turkey. Besides; depression, reduced QOL and low back pain are frequently seen. Modifications in ergonomics at work and work conditions may solve these problems. Keywords: Work-related pain, pharmaceutical sales representatives, SF-36, depression

1. Introduction Musculoskeletaldisorders represent an important cause of disability among workers caused by their occupation [27]. A work-related musculoskeletal disorder is defined as a musculoskeletal injury that results from a work-related event [17,45]. These events can be repetitive motion, extreme joint postures and/or psychosocial factors [37]. This may result in loss of productivity, work restriction or transfer to anotherjob [4,
∗ Address for correspondence:

Berna Tander, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ondokuz Mayis University School of Medicine, 55139 Kurupelit, Samsun, Turkey. Tel.: +90 362 312 19 19/2654; Fax: +90 362 457 60 41; E-mail: tander@omu.edu.tr.

17,27]. There are some studies examining the workrelated musculoskeletal problems in nurses, physiotherapists, computer operators,drivers etc [7,14,18,34,37, 41] but according to the literature, there is no investigation concerning pharmaceutical sales representatives (PSRs). In Turkey, the working conditions of PSRs are relatively hard. They present the pharmaceutical products such as new drugs and medical equipment to the physicians. Their daily work hours are fairly long, they drive long distances and carry heavy casesfull of promotional products. The pharmaceutical policy is changing very often and this may lead to higher level of stress in PSRs. Musculoskeletal system problems related with occupational conditions may be common among PSRs. Many of them constrain their locomotor

ISSN 1053-8127/07/$17.00  2007 – IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved

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B. Tander et al. / Work-relatedmusculoskeletal problems among pharmaceutical sales representatives in Samsun, Turkey

system during their work; so it is highly possible for them to have some musculoskeletal system complaints. Likewise, the physiatrists often observe musculoskeletal system complaints among them. The occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMSP) may influence their work practices and lead to loss of work time...