Comparison Between Musculoskeletal Pain and Gender-Specific, Non-gendered Job-Exposure Matrix and Self-reported Exposures in CONSTANCES.

PURPOSE: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common worldwide and gender differences exist in terms of prevalence and disability. MSDs are a leading cause of sick leave and physical work exposures. To assess the association between physical exposures assessed by the gender-specific CONSTANCES Job-Exposure Matrix (JEM) and musculoskeletal pain in six areas: neck pain, shoulder pain, elbow/arm pain, hand/wrist pain, low back pain, knee/leg pain; and to compare the results with those obtained using the non-gendered CONSTANCES JEM and with individual self-report exposures. METHODS: We included 48,736 male and 63,326 female workers from the CONSTANCES cohort (France). The association between 27 physical exposures and musculoskeletal self-reported pain in six body areas was assessed using logistic regression. We conducted the analysis with three types of exposures: (1) individual self-reported exposures; (2) gender-specific CONSTANCES JEM; (3) non-gendered CONSTANCES JEM, and adjusted for age and Body Mass Index (BMI). Analyses were stratified by gender. RESULTS: The associations to the gender-specific and non-gendered JEM were similar. The odds ratios using individual self-reported exposures were comparable to the JEM-based associations, with the exceptions of the exposures 'change tasks', 'rest eyes' and 'reach behind'. In some comparisons, there were differences in the direction and/or significance of effects between genders (regardless of whether the JEM used was gender-specific or not). CONCLUSION: The gender-specific and non-gendered JEMs gave similar results, hence, developing physical work exposures JEMs that are gender-specific may not be essential. However, when predicting musculoskeletal pain, it seems relevant to stratify the analysis by gender.

Comparing physical work exposures between men and women: findings from 65 281 workers in France.

OBJECTIVES: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a leading cause of disability and sick leave among workers. Although MSDs are associated with physical exposures, there are gender differences in the prevalence and related disability. This study aimed to compare self-reported physical work exposures by gender for people within the same occupational group. METHODS: We used cross-sectional data from 65 281 asymptomatic workers aged 18-69 years from the CONSTANCES cohort study (France). We compared 27 physical exposures between men and women in the same occupational groups ('Profession et Categorie Sociale' group) using Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Men and women performing the same job often reported different levels of exposure. 38 of 365 occupational groups had a gender difference in reported exposure for 10 or more of 27 physical exposures, with men reporting higher exposures in 79% of these jobs. Women reported higher exposures in nursing and other healthcare professions. The probability that a random man had an exposure value higher than a random woman varied widely, from 8% to 92%, and was highly dependent on occupational groups and the specific exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Men and women working in the same jobs reported different physical exposures for some jobs and some exposures. Further research should further define and explore these reported differences to improve prevention and research.

Development and evaluation of the gender-specific CONSTANCES job exposure matrix for physical risk factors in France.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to construct and evaluate a gender-specific job exposure matrix (JEM) for 27 physical work exposures, based on self-report. METHODS: We constructed a JEM using questionnaire data on current physical exposures from 29 381 male and 35 900 female asymptomatic workers aged 18-69 years in the French CONSTANCES cohort study. We excluded workers with musculoskeletal pain to reduce potential reporting bias. We grouped 27 self-reported physical exposures using the French national job codes and stratified by gender. We compared individual and group-based exposures using the performance indicators Cohen's kappa (κ), sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating curve (AUC). RESULTS: JEM validation showed fair-to-moderate agreement (κ 0.21-0.60) for most physical exposures for both genders except for 'reach behind' (poor), 'bend neck' (poor), 'finger pinch' (poor), standing' (good), 'use computer screen' (good), and 'use keyboard or scanner' (good). We found the highest AUC for 'standing' (men 0.85/ women 0.87), 'kneel/squat' (men 0.80/women 0.81), 'use computer screen' (men/women 0.81), and 'use keyboard or scanner' (men 0.82/ women 0.84). The AUC was <0.60 for only three exposures: 'bend neck' (men 0.58/women 0.57), 'finger pinch' (men 0.56/ women 0.55), and 'reach behind' (men 0.54/ women 0.51). CONCLUSION: The constructed JEM validation measures were comparable for men and women for all exposures. Further research will examine the predictive ability of this gender-specific JEM for musculoskeletal disorders and the relevance of gender-stratification in this process, knowing accuracy of each exposure.

Association between prolonged exposure to long working hours and stroke subtypes in the CONSTANCES cohort.

BACKGROUND: Though there is increasing evidence on the effect of long working hours (LWH) and stroke, few studies have distinguished stroke subtypes. We examined the associations between LWH and ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: From a national population-based cohort CONSTANCES, baseline questionnaires and initial health examinations were used to retrieve sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors from 2012 to 2018. LWH were defined as self-reported working time≥10 hours daily for at least 50 days per year. Incident cases of stroke were collected using International Classification of Disease codes recorded in the National Health Data System. Associations between LWH and stroke were investigated using multinomial models adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: Among the 160 751 participants who were free from stroke at baseline, exposure to LWH≥10 years was reported by 20 723 participants, and 190 incident cases of stroke were identified, including 134 ischaemic and 56 haemorrhagic. Exposure to LWH was associated with an elevated odds of ischaemic stroke (OR=1.61 (1.04-2.49)) and haemorrhagic stroke (OR=2.50 (1.38-4.53)) in unadjusted models. In adjusted multivariable models, only the LWH association with haemorrhagic stroke remained significant (aOR=1.92 (1.01-3.09)). CONCLUSIONS: LWH were associated with stroke, though it remained significant for haemorrhagic stroke only after adjustments. Differences in direct and indirect biological pathways and lack of power in the ischaemic subgroup may explain these results and further studies on the impact of mediating and effect measure modifying factors are needed. Nevertheless, policies that attenuate effects of both LWH and cardiovascular risks factor are warranted.

Association between COVID-19 infection and work exposure assessed by the Mat-O-Covid job exposure matrix in the CONSTANCES cohort.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light a new occupational health threat. We aimed to evaluate the association between COVID-19 infection and work exposure to SARS-CoV-2 assessed by a job-exposure matrix (JEM), in a large population cohort. We also estimated the population-attributable fraction among exposed subjects. METHODS: We used the SAPRIS-SERO sample of the CONSTANCES cohort, limited to subjects actively working, and with a job code available and a questionnaire on extra work activities. The following outcomes were assessed: COVID-19 diagnosis was made by a physician; a seropositivity to the ELISA-S test ('serology strict') and ELISA-S test intermediate with positive ELISA-NP or a positive neutralising antibodies SN ('serology large'). Job exposure was assessed using Mat-O-Covid, an expert-based JEM with an Index used as a continuous variable and a threshold at 13/1000. RESULTS: The sample included 18 999 subjects with 389 different jobs, 47.7% were men with a mean age of 46.2 years (±9.2 years). The Mat-O-Covid index taken as a continuous variable or with a threshold greater than 13/1000 was associated with all the outcomes in bivariable and multivariable logistic models. ORs were between 1.30 and 1.58, and proportion of COVID-19 attributable to work among exposed participants was between 20% and 40%. DISCUSSION: Using the Mat-O-Covid JEM applied to a large population, we found a significant association between work exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 infection, though the estimation of attributable fraction among exposed people remained low to moderate. Further studies during other exposed periods and with other methods are necessary.

Association between reported work in cold environments and stroke occurrence in the CONSTANCES cohort: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Cold environments are a potential risk factor for stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between performing work tasks in cold environments and the occurrence of a first stroke event. METHODS: From the French population-based cohort CONSTANCES ('Cohorte des consultants des Centres d'examens de santé' in French), we collected data from baseline questionnaires along with medical interviews on cardiovascular risk factors and reported exposure to cold temperatures (<10°C) at work. Exposures were categorised as rare (<2 hours/day), often (≥2 and <4 hours/day) and almost always (≥4 hours/day). Incidence of stroke was retrieved from the French National Health database. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between working in cold environments and the incidence of stroke. Stratified analyses on stroke types were also conducted. RESULTS: There were 160 782 participants and 224 strokes (168 ischaemic and 76 haemorrhagic) included in our study. No significant increase in stroke was found for working in cold environments; the adjusted OR for often or almost always exposed was 1.14 (95% CI 0.46 to 2.84). CONCLUSIONS: This study did not reveal a significant excess risk of stroke for occupational exposures to low temperatures. Further studies are needed to better assess the effect of preventive measures and very low temperature on occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.

Cannabis Use Increases the Risk of Sickness Absence: Longitudinal Analyses From the CONSTANCES Cohort.

Aims: To examine the longitudinal associations between cannabis use and risks of short (<7 days), medium (7-28 days), and long (>28 days) sickness absences at one-year follow-up. Methods: 87,273 participants aged 18-65 years from the French CONSTANCES cohort reported their frequency of cannabis use at inclusion between 2012 and 2018. Sickness absences occurring during one year of follow-up were collected from national medico-administrative registries. Multivariable generalized linear regressions were used to compute the Odds Ratios (OR) with their 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) of having at least one sickness absence at follow-up compared to no sickness absence, while controlling for sociodemographic factors, chronic conditions and occupational factors. Results: Cannabis use more than once a month was associated with an increased risk of short (OR, [95% CI]: 1.56 [1.32-1.83]) and medium (1.29 [1.07-1.54]) sickness absences at one-year follow-up, with dose-dependent relationships for short sickness absences (1.13 [1.08-1.18], p-for-trend <0.001). In stratified analyses, cannabis use was associated with an increased risk of sickness absences in older individuals, men, participants with good self-rated health, living or having lived as a couple, and having an open-ended contract. Conclusions: Cannabis use prospectively increased the risk of short and medium sickness absences, even from once a month and with a dose-dependent relationship for short sickness absences. These findings should be considered in information and prevention public health campaigns to alert the general population and workers to this increased risk.

Association between physical limitations and working life exposure to carrying heavy loads assessed using a job-exposure matrix: CONSTANCES cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Decline in physical performance with age varies among workers. We studied the association between lifetime exposure to carrying heavy loads and limitations in climbing stairs. METHODS: We used data from the French CONSTANCES study. A biomechanical Job-Exposure Matrix (JEM) was combined with lifetime job histories to build a cumulative exposure score, and compared with reported limitations in climbing stairs using robust Poisson models, stratified by sex and educational level. RESULTS: Of the 26,255 subjects, 618 men and 1,080 women reported difficulties in climbing stairs; this outcome was associated with cumulative exposure to carrying heavy loads: adjusted PR= 2.17 (1.75-2.73) for men, 1.50 (1.30-1.74) for women. The association was primarily seen among less educated subjects. CONCLUSION: Cumulative work exposure to carrying heavy loads across the working life was associated with physical limitations in climbing stairs among the less educated in both genders.

Lifetime Duration of Exposure to Biomechanical Factors at Work as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Socioeconomic Position and Walking Speed.

The study aimed to assess the proportion mediated by the duration of exposure to ergonomic factors at work on the relationship between socioeconomic position (SEP) and low walking speed. This cross-sectional study was performed on data collected at baseline on 19,704 men and 20,273 women 45-70 years old, currently or previously employed, enrolled in the Constances cohort. SEP was assigned through current or last occupation, categorized in three classes, based on the European Socioeconomic Classification. Walking speed was assessed through one measurement of normal walking for 3 m and dichotomized at the lowest quintile of the sex- and age- (5-year) specific distribution. Self-reported workplace exposure throughout working life to repetitive work, intense physical work, and lifting/carrying heavy loads was used to assess the duration of exposure to each factor, categorized in four classes. Through Poisson regression models, adjusted for BMI, smoking, alcohol intake, hypertension, physical activity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and a cognitive score, the attenuation in the prevalence ratio (PR) of low walking speed by SEP produced by the inclusion of duration of exposure to each factor was evaluated. The mediating effect of work ergonomic exposures on the relationship between SEP and low walking speed was assessed using the weighted method by Vanderweele. In the fully adjusted model without ergonomic exposures, both men and women in the middle and the lowest SEP had a significantly increased risk of low walking speed compared with those in the highest SEP (men: PR = 1.30 and PR = 1.46, respectively; women: PR = 1.24 and PR = 1.45, respectively). The inclusion in separate regression models of exposure duration to repetitive work, intense physical work, and handling of heavy loads produced modest risk attenuations in both men and women, all smaller or around 10%. Mediation analysis revealed in both sexes significant mediation effects for most ergonomic exposures considered, although also with low mediation effects. Significant differences in walking speed by SEP were observed in this large sample, but the proportion of such differences explained by the duration of exposure to ergonomic factors at work was low using either the risk attenuation or the mediation analysis methods.

Cumulative Exposure to Long Working Hours and Occurrence of Ischemic Heart Disease: Evidence From the CONSTANCES Cohort at Inception.

Background Long-working hours (LWH) are a probable risk factor for ischemic heart diseases (IHD); however, no previous study has considered duration of exposure to LWH when addressing this topic. We aimed to determine the association between cumulative exposure to LWH and IHD while accounting for relevant confounders. Methods and Results In this retrospective study, we included all baseline participants from the French population-based cohort CONSTANCES. Part-time employees and those who reported a cardiac event in the 5 years before LWH exposure were excluded. From self-administered questionnaires and clinical examinations, we obtained participants' age, sex, body mass index, occupational status, smoking habits, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, familial history of cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, exposure to LWH, and its duration. We defined LWH as working for >10 hours daily for at least 50 days per year. The main outcome was reported history of IHD, ie, myocardial infarction or angina pectoris, during a clinical examination. Of 137 854 included participants, 69 774 were men. There were 1875 cases (1.36%) of IHD, and exposure to LWH was reported by 42 462 subjects (30.8%) among whom 14 474 (10.50%) reported exposure for at least 10 years. Overall, exposure to LWH for ≥10 years was associated with an increased risk of IHD, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.24 (1.08-1.43), P=0.0021. In stratified analyses, this effect was not observed in women, but was significant amongst men, aOR 1.28 (1.11-1.48), P=0.0008. Conclusions This large population-based study supports an association between cumulative exposure to LWH and IHD in men. Future research should consider relevant strategies for reducing LWH exposure and duration.

Not just a research method: If used with caution, can job-exposure matrices be a useful tool in the practice of occupational medicine and public health?

The recent editorial by Dr Susan Peters "Although a valuable method in occupational epidemiology, job-exposure matrices are no magic fix" ably describes the strengths and limitations of job-exposure matrix (JEM) approaches in occupational epidemiology research (1). In addition to their use in research, we would like to add that JEM may also be of use in compensation and surveillance efforts in occupational health. JEM could assist the compensation process by supporting the assessment of relevant exposures related to specific health conditions (2). The potential usefulness of a JEM as a decision tool for compensation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders has been examined (3). Because occupational diseases are often under-recognized, another practical application is using a JEM to screen for occupational exposures as part of health surveillance. Use of JEM to screen for asbestos and wood dust exposure in the clinical setting has shown promising results (4-6). By summarizing multiple exposures at a job level (7), JEM may also assist policy-makers in setting priorities for hazards and controls at work, as well as occupational practitioners to target prevention efforts and direct the conduct of more precise exposure measures to particular jobs. Sharing JEM across different countries may be useful in providing estimates of exposures across larger populations to calculate global burden of disease related to occupational exposure. The JEMINI (JEM InterNatIonal) initiative was launched to explore the possibility of developing international JEM that could be used across countries (8). Beginning with physical (biomechanical) exposures, this open group has started homogenizing job coding systems and comparing some available JEM. Estimating differences in the level of exposure between countries will require much more work, without guaranteed success. As Peters mentioned, many limitations exist in the use of JEM. Users of JEM must consider the source of exposure data - expert assessments, data collected from individual workers, or environmental sampling. The coding of occupations is time consuming and can introduce error (9), and more testing of and comparison with automated job coding systems is needed (10). JEM reflect an "average" level of exposure within a job at the expense of individual variation. At population level, JEM can offer a useful estimate of exposures. If used at an individual level in a clinical or compensation setting, JEM cannot replace the professionals involved in exposure assessment but may help them focus their action more effectively on complex situations that require their expertise. In conclusion, these JEM developed for research might also be used as a public health tool, provided that their limitations are properly taken into account. References 1. Peters S. Although a valuable method in occupational epidemiology, job-exposure matrices are no magic fix. Scand J Work Environ Health 2020;46:2314. https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.3894 2. Kerbrat J, Descatha A. (The recognition of health consequences of difficult working conditions in France and its evaluation with the use of a job-exposure matrix). Arch Mal Prof Environ. 2018;79:493500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.admp.2017.12.001 3. Fadel M, Valter R, Quignette A, Descatha A. Usefulness of a job-exposure matrix « MADE ¼ as a decision tool for compensation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Eur J Public Health 2019;29:86870. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cky274 4. Lorentz E, Despreaux T, Quignette A, Chinet T, Descatha A. (Screening of occupational exposure to asbestos and silica by job-exposure matrix among patients with lung cancer and mesothelioma). Rev Mal Respir. 2019;36:108895. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmr.2019.08.006 5. Imbernon E, Goldberg M, Spyckerell Y, Steinmetz J, Bonenfant S, Fournier B. (Use of a job-exposure matrix for the screening of occupational exposure to asbestos). Rev Epidemiol Sante Publique 2004;52:717. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0398-7620(04)99018-9 6. Carton M, Bonnaud S, Nachtigal M, Serrano A, Carole C, Bonenfant S, et al. Post-retirement surveillance of workers exposed to asbestos or wood dust: first results of the French national SPIRALE Program. Epidemiol Prev. 2011;35:31523.   7. Guéguen A, Goldberg M, Bonenfant S, Martin JC. Using a representative sample of workers for constructing the SUMEX French general population based job-exposure matrix. Occup Environ Med. 2004;61:58693. https://doi.org/10.1136/oem.2003.010660 8. Descatha A, Evanoff BA, Andersen JH, Fadel M, Ngabirano L, Leclerc A, et al. JEMINI (Job Exposure Matrix InterNatIonal) Initiative: a Utopian Possibility for Helping Occupational Exposure Assessment All Around the World? J Occup Environ Med. 2019;61:e3201. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000001631 9. Petersen SB, Flachs EM, Svendsen SW, Marott JL, Budtz-Jørgensen E, Hansen J, et al. Influence of errors in job codes on job exposure matrix-based exposure assessment in the register-based occupational cohort DOC*X. Scand J Work Environ Health 2020;46:25967. https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.3857 10. Buckner-Petty S, Dale AM, Evanoff BA. Efficiency of autocoding programs for converting job descriptors into standard occupational classification (SOC) codes. Am J Ind Med. 2019;62:5968. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.22928.

Comparison Between a Job-Exposure Matrix (JEM) Score and Self-Reported Exposures for Carrying Heavy Loads Over the Working Lifetime in the CONSTANCES Cohort.

OBJECTIVES: Job-exposure matrices (JEMs) were developed to allow assessment of past work exposure for large population-based studies where better exposures data are unavailable. Few studies have directly compared biomechanical JEMs to self-administered questionnaires. We compared assessments of cumulative exposure to carrying heavy loads based on 'JEM Constances' to individually self-reported (SR) exposures. METHODS: In the French CONSTANCES cohort at inception, past SR exposure to carrying heavy loads (ever/never and durations) and a detailed job history were available for 26 929 subjects. JEM Constances, an existing biomechanical JEM based on SR current exposures from 26 821 asymptomatic workers, was combined with job history to build a cumulative biomechanical exposure score. Using individual SR exposure as the reference, Area Under the Curve (AUC) of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. For both methods, associations with low back pain and knee pain were computed using multinomial logistic models. Additional analyses compared older (>10 years) to more recent (≤10 years) exposures. RESULTS: AUCs ranged from 0.795 (0.789-0.800) when all periods were considered, to 0.826 (0.820-0.833) for more recent biomechanical exposure (≤10 years). Associations between carrying heavy loads and low back pain or knee pain were less strong using JEM assessment than individually SR exposure: for low back pain ORSR = 3.02 (2.79-3.26) versus ORJEM = 1.70 (1.59-1.82) and for knee pain ORSR = 2.27 (2.10-2.46) versus ORJEM = 1.64 (1.53-1.77). CONCLUSIONS: JEM Constances' assessment of cumulative exposure of carrying heavy loads seems to be a useful method compared to a self-administrated questionnaire for large population-based studies where other methods are not available.

Influence of severe knee pain, meniscus surgery and knee arthroplasty on physical ability: an observational study of 114 949 adults in the CONSTANCES cohort.

BACKGROUND: The knee is one of the major sites of musculoskeletal pain, yet few large-scale studies have evaluated the impact of knee disorders on physical limitations. Our objective was to describe this impact in a large-scale population study. METHODS: We included subjects of working age from the CONSTANCES cohort, from its inception. Four groups were distinguished according to their medical history: whether they had knee arthroplasty (KA), meniscus surgery, severe knee pain, or none of these. Outcomes assessed for physical limitations were self-reported limitations in the last 6 months due to health problems, limitation on carrying 5 kg on 10 m and a 3-metre length rapid gait speed test (for participants aged >45). Associations between knee groups and patients' characteristics and physical limitations were analysed using logistic regression. Robust associations were deemed relevant if their ORs were higher than 2 and their p value lower than 0.0001. RESULTS: Of the 114 949 individuals, 99 052 (86.2%) were in the 'no pain and no surgery' group, 14 740 (12.8%) were in the severe knee pain group, 1019 (0.89%) had meniscus surgery and 138 (0.12%) had KA. Severe knee pain and KA groups showed a similar profile (they were less at work, reported more deterioration in their health and had more limitations). CONCLUSION: Almost 14% of the sample had knee disorders. Subjects reporting severe knee pain or who had KA reported more important physical limitations then subjects who reported neither severe knee pain nor knee surgery.

Association between occupational exposure and Dupuytren's contracture using a job-exposure matrix and self-reported exposure in the CONSTANCES cohort.

BACKGROUND: Although several studies highlighted an association between occupational exposure and Dupuytren's contracture (DC), they were often limited by the highly selected population. We aimed to study this association using a job-exposure matrix (JEM) and self-reported exposure in a large cohort. METHODS: From CONSTANCES, a French population-based prospective cohort, we retrieved sex, age, social position, alcohol/tobacco intake and diabetes. Lifetime exposures were assessed by two different methods: with the biomechanical JEM 'JEM Constances', we assessed exposure to vibration and/or forearm rotation for participants whose work history was available, and from a self-administered questionnaire, we retrieved self-reported exposure to arduous work and/or carrying heavy loads. Surgery for DC was collected from the French Health Administrative database from 2009 to 2016. Multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for confounders were built to assess association between surgery for DC and occupational exposures. RESULTS: Work history was retrieved for 23 795 subjects among whom 98 underwent surgery for DC. Adjusted OR (aOR) was 2.08 (1.03-4.2) for being ever exposed to vibration and/or forearm rotation for subjects <60 years and 1.20 (0.69-2.08) for subjects ≥60 years. Data for self-reported exposure were available for 81 801 participants among whom 367 underwent surgery for DC. aOR for being exposed more than 20 years to arduous work and/or carrying heavy loads was 2.01 (1.32-3.04) for subjects <60 years and 1.04 (0.7-1.54) for subjects ≥60. CONCLUSIONS: Manual work is associated with surgery for DC among younger subjects. Monitoring exposed workers is important to prevent future functional limitations.

Association Between Reported Long Working Hours and History of Stroke in the CONSTANCES Cohort.

Background and Purpose- Long working hours (LWHs) are a potential risk factor for stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate this association in a large general population cohort. Methods- We used the French population-based cohort, CONSTANCES (Cohorte des Consultants des Centres d'Examens de Santé), to retrieve information on age, sex, smoking, and working hours from the baseline, self-administered questionnaire. Other cardiovascular risk factors and previous occurrence of stroke were taken from a parallel medical interview. We defined LWH as working time >10 hours daily for at least 50 days per year. Participants with primarily part-time jobs were excluded as were those with stroke before LWH exposure. We used logistic models to estimate the association between LWH and stroke, stratified by age, sex, and occupation. In additional modeling, we excluded subjects whose stroke occurred within 5 years of the first reported work exposure. Results- Among the 143 592 participants in the analyses, there were 1224 (0.9%) strokes, 42 542 (29.6%) reported LWH, and 14 481 (10.1%) reported LWH for 10 years or more. LWH was associated with an increased risk of stroke: adjusted odds ratio of 1.29 (95% CI, 1.11-1.49). Being exposed to LWH for 10 years or more was more strongly associated with stroke, adjusted odds ratio of 1.45 (95% CI, 1.21-1.74). The association showed no differences between men and women but was stronger in white-collar workers under 50 years of age. Conclusions- This large analysis reveals a significant association between stroke and exposure to LWH for 10 years or more. The findings are relevant for individual and global prevention.

Daily alcohol consumption and sickness absence in the GAZEL cohort.

Background: : Previous studies that examined the association between daily alcohol consumption and sickness absences (SA) were mostly retrospective and did not take into account the characteristics of SA. : A total of 9907 daily drinkers (8442 men and 1465 women) of the GAZEL prospective cohort were included. Daily alcohol consumption over the three previous years was self-reported at baseline and categorized as low, moderate, high or very high risk according to the World Health Organization. Duration of SA (short: ≤7 days; moderate: 8-28; long: >28) was collected from administrative records as well as causes for long SA. Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate Risk Ratios of SA according to alcohol consumption with low-risk category as reference. : Duration of follow-up (in years) for SA was 8.4 ± 3.7 in men and 11.2 ± 5.4 in women. Increasing alcohol consumption predicted increasing risk of SA with a dose-response relationship ( P < 0.01 for men; P = 0.01 for women). In men, strength of this association increased with SA duration [e.g. RRs from 1.41 (95% CI: 1.12-1.79) to 2.12 (95% CI: 1.49-3.00) in the very high-risk category, for short and long SA, respectively]. In men, even a moderate consumption predicted increased risk of SA whatever their duration (RR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.07-1.23). In women, a moderate consumption predicted only long SA (RR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.00-1.50). Daily alcohol consumption was associated with almost all causes of long SA in men, and with respiratory diseases, digestive diseases and injury in women. : We found a dose-response relationship between daily alcohol consumption and the risk of SA. Even moderate consumption could increase this risk, particularly in men.

CONSTANCES: a general prospective population-based cohort for occupational and environmental epidemiology: cohort profile.

WHY THE COHORT WAS SET UP?: CONSTANCES is a general-purpose cohort with a focus on occupational and environmental factors. COHORT PARTICIPANTS: CONSTANCES was designed as a randomly selected sample of French adults aged 18-69 years at inception; 200 000 participants will be included. DATA COLLECTION PHASES: At enrolment, the participants are invited to complete questionnaires and to attend a health screening centre (HSC) for a health examination. A biobank will be set up. The follow-up includes an yearly self-administered questionnaire, a periodic visit to an HSC and linkage to social and national health administrative databases. MAIN TYPES OF DATA COLLECTED: Data collected for participants include social and demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, life events and behaviours. Regarding occupational and environmental factors, a wealth of data on organisational, chemical, biological, biomechanical and psychosocial lifelong exposure, as well as residential characteristics, are collected at enrolment and during follow-up. The health data cover a wide spectrum: self-reported health scales, reported prevalent and incident diseases, long-term chronic diseases and hospitalisations, sick-leaves, handicaps, limitations, disabilities and injuries, healthcare usage and services provided, and causes of death. CONTROL OF SELECTION EFFECTS: To take into account non-participation and attrition, a random cohort of non-participants was set up and will be followed through the same national databases as participants. DATA ACCESS: Inclusions begun at the end of 2012 and more than 110 000 participants were already included by September 2016. Several projects on occupational and environmental risks already applied to a public call for nested research projects.

Lateral Epicondylitis and Physical Exposure at Work? A Review of Prospective Studies and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: In view of recent published studies, a meta-analysis was undertaken on prospective studies in order to assess any association between lateral epicondylitis and physical exposure at work. METHODS: Using the key words "lateral epicondylitis" AND "occupational" AND ("cohort" OR "longitudinal," OR "incidence") without limitations on the language or year of publication, original prospective studies were selected from 4 databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Base de Données de Santé Publique) after 2 rounds (valid design, valid association reported, and valid work exposure). Relevant associations between physical exposure at work and incident lateral epicondylitis were extracted from the articles, and a meta-risk was calculated using the generic variance approach (meta-odds ratios [meta-ORs]). RESULTS: From 2001 to 2014, 5 prospective studies were included. Among 6,922 included subjects (and 3,449 who were followed), 256 cases of incident lateral epicondylitis were diagnosed 2.5-6 years after baseline. All the published studies found a significant estimation of relative risk for a positive association between combined biomechanic exposure involving the wrist and/or elbow and incidence of lateral epicondylitis. The overall meta-OR was 2.6 (95% confidence interval 1.9-3.5), with a low heterogeneity (Q = 1.4, P > 0.05). Funnel plots and Egger's test did not suggest major publication bias. CONCLUSION: The results of this meta-analysis strongly support the hypothesis of an association between biomechanic exposure involving the wrist and/or elbow at work and incidence of lateral epicondylitis.