Prevalence and risk factors of subjective musculoskeletal symptoms among cooks in Taiwan

This study investigated musculoskeletal symptoms prevalence and risk factors for restaurant cooks in Taiwan. A cross-sectional survey of a convenient sample of 765 participants was conducted in 2009. The results showed that 652 (85.2%) participants reported that they had at least one musculoskeletal symptom within the previous year. The most common musculoskeletal symptoms-affected body sites included the shoulders (63.5%), neck (59.9%), and lower back (56.9%). Multiple logistic regression analysis suggested that frequent lifting of objects has a strong relationship with musculoskeletal symptoms of the neck (odds ratio, OR = 1.70), shoulders (OR = 1.70), upper back (OR = 1.58), lower back (OR = 1.75), elbow (OR = 1.61), fingers/wrists (OR = 1.68), hips/thighs (OR = 1.50), and knees (OR = 1.53). The working hours per day were associated with elbow (OR = 1.11), fingers/wrists (OR = 1.09), and knees (OR = 1.12). Female cooks had a higher risk of musculoskeletal symptoms in the upper back than male cooks (OR = 1.55). Higher body mass index was also related to musculoskeletal symptoms of the shoulders and ankles/feet. In conclusion, this study shows that cooks are at high risk for musculoskeletal symptoms, and some lifestyle and occupational factors are related to this higher prevalence among cooks.