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Strong association of physical job demands with functional limitations among active people: a population-based study in North-eastern France

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Abstract

Purpose

To assess the association between physical job demands (PJD) and physical/cognitive functional limitations, and the role of adverse health behaviours, obesity, and socio-demographic factors as confounders of those associations.

Methods

The sample included 3,368 active subjects aged 18–64 years, randomly selected from North-eastern France. Subjects completed a post-mailed questionnaire. PJD score was defined as the product of years of employment with the cumulative number of a wide range of high job demands. Data were analysed through the logistic regression models.

Results

The physical and cognitive functional limitations affected 16.9 and 28.6% of subjects, respectively. A strong relationship was found between PJD and physical functional limitation: significant odds ratios (OR) adjusted for all the factors studied 1.41 for PJD1-29, 1.72 for PJD30-99, and 2.57 for PJD ≥100 versus PJD0; and between PJD and cognitive functional limitation: OR 1.28 for PJD1-29, 1.60 for PJD30-99, and 2.00 for PJD ≥100 versus PJD0. Adverse health behaviours, obesity and job category were modest confounders of those associations.

Conclusions

This study identified a wide range of job demands and individual characteristics related to physical/cognitive functional limitations. Prevention should aim at improving working conditions and adverse health behaviours.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank D. Saouag, M. Weiss, M. Depesme-Cuny, and B. Phélut for their help in the study. The work is granted by the Pôle Européen de Santé.

Conflict of interest

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. INSERM, U669, Paris, France

    N. Chau

  2. Univ Paris-Sud and Univ Paris Descartes, UMR-S0669, Paris, France

    N. Chau

  3. Institut National d’Etudes Demographiques, 133 Boulevard Davout, 75980, Paris Cedex 20, France

    M. Khlat

  4. INSERM, U669, 8 rue du Breuil, 54180, Heillecourt, France

    N. Chau

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  1. N. Chau
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  2. M. Khlat
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The Lorhandicap group

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Correspondence to N. Chau.

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Lorhandicap Group, Research group on health and disabilities in North-eastern France: N. Chau, F. Guillemin, J. F. Ravaud, J. Sanchez, S. Guillaume, J. P. Michaely, C. Otero Sierra, B. Legras, A. Dazord, M. Choquet, L. Méjean, N. Tubiana-Rufi, J. P. Meyer, Y. Schléret, J. M. Mur.

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Chau, N., Khlat, M. & The Lorhandicap group. Strong association of physical job demands with functional limitations among active people: a population-based study in North-eastern France. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 82, 857–866 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-009-0394-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-009-0394-9

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