An Exploratory Analysis of the Distribution, Occupational Patterning, and Functional Impact of Self-Reported Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Latvian Workers

Introduction. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major contributor to work-related functional limitations across occupational sectors. While MSD research often focuses on single anatomical regions, growing evidence suggests that multi-site symptom clustering better explains functional impact and ergonomic risk.
Aim of the study. This study explores the distribution of musculoskeletal symptoms across body regions, their co-occurrence,functional consequences,and variation across occupational groups in a heterogeneous sample of Latvian workers.
Materials and methods. A cross-sectional exploratory analysis was conducted among 46 employed adults using the Latvian-translated Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was assessed for 8 body regions and dichotomised as present or absent. A total musculoskeletal symptom score (range 0–9) was calculated. Multi-site symptom burden was categorised as none (0 regions), single-site (1 region), or multi-site (≥2 regions). Participants were grouped into 4 occupational categories based on job tasks and work characteristics. Functional impact was assessed using a derived binary variable indicating any work interruption due to musculoskeletal symptoms. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation analyses, and Chi-square tests of association were applied.
Results. The median total musculoskeletal symptom burden over 12 months was 3(mean 3.04±2.36), with most affected regions being lower back(67.4%), neck(58.7%), and shoulders(43.5%). Multi-site symptoms occurred in 56.5% of participants. Significant positive correlations were observed between anatomically related regions, including neck and shoulders(ρ=0.379,p=0.009), neck and upper back(ρ=0.401,p=0.006), and shoulders and wrists/hands(ρ=0.419,p=0.004), indicating symptom clustering. Higher proportions of multi-site symptoms were observed in certain occupational groups; however, the association between occupational group and multi-site symptom burden was not statistically significant(χ²=5.85,df=3,p=0.119).
Conclusions. This exploratory analysis highlights a high prevalence of multi-site musculoskeletal symptoms among Latvian workers, with clustering across body regions and functional consequences.Although between-group differences were not statistically significant, occupational patterns suggest job-specific task influences on multi-site symptom burden. Findings support a multi-site, function-oriented approach to ergonomic risk assessment and provide a foundation for larger, occupation-specific studies.