Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms in salespersons.

Background: Salespersons are required to stand for long periods of time during work. Prolonged standing is one physical factor contributing to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms in the working population.

Aims: To estimate the 12-month prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms in the head/neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists/hands, upper back, low back, hips, knees and ankles/feet in salespersons.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey using a descriptive questionnaire was used to evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms in 1310 female salespersons in 18 department stores.

Results: Of the 1200 subjects (92%) who completed the questionnaire, 1189 were eligible for inclusion in the study. The 1-year prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms was 77%. The ankle/foot (35%) was the most frequently affected body region followed by low back (34%), knees (33%), hips (28%), shoulders (28%), head/neck (26%), upper back (21%), wrists/hands (14%) and elbows (3%). The older the salespersons were, the more likely they were to report knee symptoms (P < 0.05). Salespersons with a body mass index (BMI) >23 kg/m(2) were more likely to report knee symptoms than those with a BMI <18.5 kg/m(2) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Musculoskeletal symptoms are common among salespersons with a high proportion experiencing symptoms in the low back, knees and ankles/feet. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the knees is associated with age and BMI. Attention should be given to developing specific measures to reduce or prevent musculoskeletal symptoms in salespersons.