Structural Equation Modeling of Musculoskeletal Pains, Work-Family Conflict, and Sleep-Related Problems on Well-Being of Food Manufacturing Workers

The objective of this study is to investigate the causal relationships between musculoskeletal pains, work-family conflict, sleep-related problems, and the well-being of food manufacturing workers using structural equation modeling. This study analyzed 523 food manufacturing workers extracted from the Sixth Korea Working Conditions Survey. We formulated six hypotheses based on literature reviews and examined the structural causal relationship between work-family conflict, musculoskeletal pains, sleep-related problems, and well-being. According to the results of structural equation modeling, work-family conflict has a significant impact on musculoskeletal pains (standardized path coefficient of 0.113). Furthermore, both musculoskeletal pains (standardized path coefficient of 0.350) and work-family conflict (standardized path coefficient of 0.212) have been found to affect sleep-related problems. It has also been established that musculoskeletal pains have a direct influence on well-being (standardized path coefficient of 0.115). The association and structural causality between musculoskeletal pain and psychological factors in food manufacturing workers can be used for customized measures to improve the well-being of food manufacturing workers. This study is also meaningful in that musculoskeletal pain and psychological factors should be managed in an integrated manner.