Relationship between psychosocial risk factors at work and musculoskeletal symptoms in university professors

A study by Rodrigues (2025) found that psychosocial risk factors at work are significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms in university professors, contributing not only to physical discomfort but also to work impairment and increased use of health services.

The study explored the link between psychosocial risk factors (PRFs) and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). PRFs are adverse working conditions—like job insecurity, excessive workload, low autonomy, and work-family conflict—that can harm mental and physical health. MSDs include chronic pain in areas like the neck, shoulders, and back, often exacerbated by stress and poor work conditions.

The Main Concerns Identified

Based on a sample of 122 university professors:

1. 68% reported musculoskeletal symptoms in the past 12 months, most commonly in the upper back (68%), neck (61%), and lower back (57%).

2. 42.6% reported recent symptoms (in the last 7 days) in the upper back; neck and shoulders followed.

3. Professors reported an average of 4.6 work absences and 4.9 medical consultations in the previous year related to these symptoms.

4. The presence of multiple affected body regions per individual (mean = ~6) suggests a widespread and systemic issue.

Through structural equation modelling (SEM), the study confirmed significant positive associations between psychosocial risks and:

1. Musculoskeletal symptoms in the last 12 months

2. Functional impairments such as missed work

3. Recent symptoms in the last 7 days

4. Medical treatment seeking

Among the PRFs, the strongest predictors were:

1. Job insecurity – the most significant overall risk factor for musculoskeletal complaints

2. Work-life conflict (low work-life balance) – strongly linked with current symptoms and work impairment

3. Role overload – tied to the frequency and severity of symptoms

4. Lack of social support – especially linked to the likelihood of seeking medical care

Notably, gender was not a significant factor in symptom variation, indicating the systemic nature of these stressors across demographic groups.

Proposed Solutions:

The study recommends a range of organisational-level strategies, including:

1. Reducing role overload through better work design

2. Enhancing job stability to address insecurity

3. Supporting work-life balance to reduce conflict

4. Improving institutional social support

5. Embedding psychosocial risk management into policies (in line with Brazil’s updated NR-1 regulation)

Citation:

Rodrigues, C. M. L. (2025). Relationship between psychosocial risk factors at work and musculoskeletal symptoms in university professors. Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Trabalho, 23(1), e20251413. https://doi.org/10.47626/1679-4435-2025-1413