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Association between wrist pain and occupational stress among sewing machine operators

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 August 2025

N. Rmadi ,
A. Hrairi ,
F. Dhouib ,
I. Ben Hnia ,
M. Hajjaji  and
K. Jmal Hammami
N. Rmadi*
Affiliation:
Occupational medicine department, Hedi chaker university hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
A. Hrairi
Affiliation:
Occupational medicine department, Hedi chaker university hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
F. Dhouib
Affiliation:
Occupational medicine department, Hedi chaker university hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
I. Ben Hnia
Affiliation:
Occupational medicine department, Hedi chaker university hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
M. Hajjaji
Affiliation:
Occupational medicine department, Hedi chaker university hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
K. Jmal Hammami
Affiliation:
Occupational medicine department, Hedi chaker university hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

Given the specific characteristics of their work positions, sewing machine operators (SMOs) represent a vulnerable population to musculoskeletal symptoms such as wrist pain in the leather and footwear sector.

Objectives

This study aims to assess the association between wrist pain and occupational stress among SMOs.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among SMOs working in a shoe and leather factory. Data collection was carried out using Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews through a pre-established questionnaire. This questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic and professional data. We also assessed occupational stress using the validated French version of Job Content Questionnaire of Karasek.

Results

The average age of SMOs (n = 145) was 35.2 ± 9.9 years, with extremes ranging from 18 to 59 years. A female predominance was noted (sex ratio of 0.25). The average seniority in the current position was 14.4 ± 9.9 years. More than half of the population had high psychological demand, low decision latitude and low social in respectively 53.2%, 97.1% and 67.6%. Among SMOs, 76.3% had wrist pain. In bivariate analysis, wrist pain was positively associated to low decision latitude (p=0.033, OR=2.49, 95%IC [1.11-5.59]. Moreover, it was positively associated to professional seniority (p=0.014).

Conclusions

This study highlights a significant prevalence of wrist pain among SMOs in the leather and footwear sector. It can be exacerbated by various factors, including occupational stress. Addressing these factors is essential for enhancing both the health and productivity of this vulnerable workforce.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

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Type
Abstract
Information
European Psychiatry , Volume 68 , Special Issue S1: Abstracts of the 33rd European Congress of Psychiatry , April 2025 , pp. S801
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of European Psychiatric Association
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