Gender differences in the association between lifestyle behaviors and musculoskeletal disorders among radiology residents in China.

objectivesTo describe the prevalence and subtypes of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in Chinese radiologists, and to examine gender differences in the association between lifestyle patterns and MSDs. MATERIALS AND

methodsThe study included 3666 radiology residents from 31 provinces in China. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to classify clusters based on four lifestyle behaviors. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the associations between MSDs and clusters of lifestyle behaviors.

resultsAmong 3666 radiology residents, the mean age was 27.3 years (SD  =  2.6), and 58.0% were female. Female residents had a higher prevalence of MSDs (69.6%) than males (61.5%). Significant gender differences were also found in smoking (p < 0.001), alcohol use (p < 0.001), physical activity (p < 0.001), and insomnia (p < 0.001). Compared with the "relatively healthy lifestyle" cluster, males and females who were in the "insomnia-and-inactive" cluster were more likely to have MSDs, and males in the "smoking-and-alcohol use" cluster had a significantly higher risk of having head discomfort (OR 1.51, 95% CI: 1.01-2.26).

conclusionThe co-occurrence and significant gender differences in lifestyle behaviors highlight the need for gender-specific interventions for mitigating MSDs of radiology residents. KEY POINTS: Question Examine gender-specific lifestyle patterns and evaluate gender differences in their association with MSDs. Findings Gender differences exist in smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and insomnia, with female radiologists exhibiting a higher prevalence of MSDs than males. Clinical relevance The study underscores the importance of gender-specific interventions targeting lifestyle clusters to reduce the risk of MSDs among radiology residents, thereby promoting occupational health.