Prevalence of Epicondylitis, Rotator Cuff Syndrome, and Low Back Pain in Latino Poultry Workers and Manual Laborers

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Mark R. Schulz, Assistant Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Background: The goal of this study is to improve understanding of immigrant Latino manual workers' occupational health, focusing on upper body musculoskeletal injury. Methods: Physical exams were conducted with a representative sample of 516 Latino poultry workers and manual laborers in western North Carolina; outcome measures were prevalence of epicondylitis, rotator cuff syndrome, and low back pain. Results: Low back pain (n?=?89; 17.2%) and rotator cuff syndrome (n?=?76; 14.7%) indicated by physical exam was common. Epicondylitis was less common, but still frequent (n?=?30; 5.8%). Prevalence of each outcome did not differ between poultry processing workers and other manual workers. Workers >40 years old had greater incidence of rotator cuff syndrome and epicondylitis. Conclusions: Epicondylitis, rotator cuff syndrome, and low back pain are common in immigrant Latino workers, and may negatively impact long-term health and contribute to occupational health disparities.

Additional Information

Publication
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 56 (2), 226-234
Language: English
Date: 2013
Keywords
poultry workers, musculoskeletal illness, epicondylitis, low back pain, rotator cuff syndrome

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