Comparison of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders Between Flight Attendants and National Occupational Populations - China, 2018-2023.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: The risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) differs by industry. Flight attendants in China show a high prevalence of upper-limb WMSDs.

WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: Compared with the National Occupational Group and Comparable Industry Subgroup, flight attendants had a higher prevalence of neck, shoulder, and lower back WMSDs. After adjustment for demographic, ergonomic, and work-organization factors using generalized linear mixed models, flight attendant occupation was not significantly associated with WMSDs compared with the Comparable Industry Subgroup (adjusted odds ratio=0.76, 95% confidence interval: 0.43, 1.34）.

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: Prevention efforts can target modifiable ergonomic and work-organization factors, including cabin ergonomics, staffing, rest opportunities, and autonomy over work breaks.