Psychosocial Job Strain and Musculoskeletal Pain in Cabin Crew – Does Gender Matter?

Abstract

Objective: To investigate possible gender differences in psychosocial job strain (PSYJS) and single and multi-site musculoskeletal pain (MSP) in cabin crew.

Background: In recent years the proportion of male cabin crew has increased, still few studies have investigated gender differences in PSYJS and MSP in this occupational group.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire concerning work-related psychosocial demands, control, social support, and MSP was answered by 107 male and 329 female cabin crew members from the three major airline companies in Norway. Binary logistic regression models were used for the analysis.

Results: There were no gender differences in PSYJS, but female cabin crew reported higher levels of social support from colleagues (p = .001) and nearest supervisor (p = .006). Multi-site MSP was reported by 70%. No gender differences in prevalence of single-site or multi-site MSP were found, except from a higher prevalence of pain in feet in female cabin crew (p = .020). Both a high strain (33%) and a passive (17%) work situation were associated with significantly higher risks of most single and multi-site MSP.

Conclusion: Even though few gender differences were found, both male and female cabin crew reported high prevalence of MSP and high PSYJS. Attention should be given to create a healthier psychosocial work environment for this occupational group, with a special emphasis on support at work for male cabin crew.