Some occupational health problems among Egyptian sales representatives in some pharmaceutical companies

This work is aimed to promote the different health aspects of the pharmaceutical sales representatives through identifying some of occupational health problems affecting sales representatives working in pharmaceutical companies, assessing occupational and personal risk factors that may be associated with these health problems, describing the relation between these health problems and the quality of life of this group. Subjects and methods: A questionnaire was used to collect information from all participants regarding socio-demographic characters, smoking habits, occupational history, MSCs (Nordic ques.), stress (NSAD ques.) and QOL (SF-36 ques.).Results: This study showed that about two thirds of the studied pharmaceutical sales representatives (60.3%) had previous car accidents during work time. The risk of car accidents increased in those who work for long periods and those who have severe stress. Also, majority of the studied PSRs (89.8%) had musculoskeletal disorders in any body part during last 12 month especially in lower back. The risk of MSDs increased with driving, heavy bag load and severe stress. Also, more than three quarters of the studied PSRs (76%) suffer from severe stress. This stress were mostly due to job unstability and bad relationship with the manager. Lastly, about two thirds of the studied PSRs (65.3%) expressed his quality of life as moderate. Their quality of life were affected by MSDs, stress level and sex. Recommendation: The PSRs need medical measures as pre-placement medical examination, periodic medical examination, health education and supportive medical services. Also they need training for prevention of car accidents, MSDs and stress. Lastly, they need administrative measures as redesign of the job, implementing structural changes, intervening in the psychosocial working environment and problems solving group or committee.