The association of musculoskeletal complaints and individual and work-related factors with work ability in Chilean white-collar and blue-collar workers

Objective. The maintenance of good work ability has proven to have a positive effect on health, quality of work and productivity. There is little evidence regarding the association between musculoskeletal complaints, individual and work-related factors, and work ability in blue-collar and white-collar workers. Methods. A cross-sectional study of hospital and university workers (n = 360) was performed to determine the association between musculoskeletal complaints, individual and work-related factors, and work ability; two multiple linear regression models were created. Results. In white-collar workers, musculoskeletal complaints of the dorsal/lumbar region (β = −0.259) and the wrist/hand segment (β = −0.151) were significantly associated with reduced work ability. A higher body mass index (β = −0.227) was also negatively associated with the dependent variable. In blue-collar workers, musculoskeletal complaints of the dorsal/lumbar region (β = −0.317) and the elbow/forearm segment (β = −0.171) were significantly associated with lower work ability. Increased age (β = −0.204) was associated with reduced work ability in this group. No significant correlations were found between work-related factors and work ability. Conclusions. Musculoskeletal complaints and individual factors, but not work-related factors, are associated with work ability in Chilean blue-collar and white-collar workers. Nevertheless, the variables that explain the change in work ability are different between these groups.