A Longitudinal Investigation of the Moderating Effect of Social Support on Job Strain Developing Non-Specific Neck Pain in Office Workers

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study examined the interactions between the job strain and social support in the workplace on the development of work-related neck pain in office workers. METHODS: The participants included 62 office workers without neck pain over the last twelve months. A battery of measures evaluating the potential workplace risk factors in office settings were conducted at the baseline, and at the 12 month incidence of work-related neck pain was reported via monthly questionnaires. Survival analysis evaluated the interaction effect between job strain and social support on the development of work-related neck pain. RESULTS: The incidence of work-related neck pain was 1.91 (95% CI 1.06 – 3.45) per 100 person months. The interaction effect between job strain and social support found that job strain may increase the risk of developing new work-related neck pain when lower social support existed in the workplace. On the other hand, the adverse effects of job strain on the development of neck pain were not significant when workers had higher social support from their colleagues and supervisors. CONCLUSION: An investigation of the moderating effects of risk factors on neck pain might reveal the unexplained relationship between the risk factors for the development of neck pain in office workers. Therefore, the interest in prevention plans and treatments should involve a comprehensive understanding of the risk factors at workplace.