Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are a major public health concern in Canada and a leading reason for hospital visits among workers, placing pressure on the healthcare system and reducing productivity and well-being. Food insecurity, a key indicator of socioeconomic disadvantage and a critical determinant of health, may influence the RSI risk but remains understudied. Using data from the 2017-2018 Canadian Community Health Survey (n = 94,548), this study applied multivariable logistic regression to examine the relationship between food security status and RSIs among Canadian adults. About 12% reported experiencing RSIs. Individuals with moderate (odds ratio OR 1.36, p OR 1.35, p < 0.001) had higher odds of RSI compared to food-secure individuals. Several demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural and health-related factors were also associated with RSI. These findings highlight food insecurity as an important factor in RSI risk and the need to address it within broader prevention strategies.
Amoak et al. (Tue,) studied this question.