Atferdsteoretiske perspektiv på forebygging av muskel- og skjelettplager

In general it is difficult to change health-related behaviour. This also goes for behaviour related to preventing musculoskeletal disorders. The article presents three different theories of behaviour that purport to explain why workers behave as they do; the KAP model, Banduras Social cognitive theory and Karasek and Theorells Demands control support model. The two latter models emphasise the importance of social and organisational environment on individuals health-related behaviour. To help workers to change health-related behaviour the author claims that it is necessary to direct interventions towards both individuals and the work environment. Examples of primary and secondary preventive actions related to musculoskeletal disorders are given. A good cooperation between clinicians, occupational health services and enterprises is needed to give patients and workers with musculoskeletal disorders the best help possible