Halvarsson A.1,2, Seth M.1, Tegern M.1,3, Broman L.1, Larsson H.1
1Karolinska Institutet, Division of Physiotherapy, Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Stockholm, Sweden, 2Karolinska Institutet University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, 3Umea University, Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Umea, Sweden
Background: Previously studies have shown that it is common with musculoskeletal complaints and injuries (MSCI) among soldiers. Furthermore, there is indication that the prevalence of MSCI has increased during the last decade.
Purpose: The aim with the study was to investigate theprevalence of MSCI in two groups in Swedish Armed Forces, ten years apart (Mission 2002 and Mission 2012) and examine if there is a difference between the groups.
Methods: Cross-sectional survey including 896 male soldiers from two international missions ten-years apart (Mission 2002 n=572 and Mission 2012 n=323). Data were collected through questionnaire before the international mission.
Results: Both point prevalence and one-year prevalence of MSCI where reported to be higher in Mission 2012 compared with Mission 2002. Point prevalence in Mission 2012 was 37% and 7 % in 2002. One-year prevalence was 68% in Mission 2012 and 27% in Mission 2002.
Most common anatomic location of MSCI in Mission 2002 were knee, hand and foot and for Mission 2012 knee, foot, shoulders and low back.
Significant differences in point prevalence (p 0.041) and one-year prevalence (p 0.011) of MSCI was found for all anatomic locations (neck, thoracic back, low back, shoulders, elbow, hand, hip, knee, lower leg and foot).
Conclusion(s): Remarkable high prevalence of MSCI existed in year 2012. It is of importance to continue to identify work requirements, work capacity and prevalence of MSCI so that preventive and reactive measures can be taken.
Implications: This study found an increase of MSCI during the last ten year in Swedish Armed Force.
It is of importance that the Swedish armed forces examine the prevalence and development of MSCI during international mission and the soldiers exposure to physical workload to be able to implement preventiv interventions.
Funding acknowledgements: Funding from the Swedish Armed Forces. The organization had no authority over or input into any part of the study.
Topic: Occupational health & ergonomics
Ethics approval: The study was approved by the local ethics committee in Örebro and Stockholm, Sweden (Dnr 500:16 307/01, Dnr 2011/928-32).
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
