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Wondemu MY, Hermansen Å, Joranger P, Brekke I. Sickness absence among mothers caring for a child with disability: Examining the impact of mechanical and psychosocial occupational exposures. SSM Popul Health 2024; 25:101610. [PMID: 38317773 PMCID: PMC10840332 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2024.101610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Sickness absence is more prevalent among mothers caring for children with disability compared to those caring for non-disabled children. Working in a poor working environment may worsen the impact of care burden on health outcomes among mothers of children with disabilities. Objective The study investigated how sickness absences are associated with mechanical and psychosocial occupational exposures among mothers caring for children with and without disabilities. Methods The study included children born between 2005 and 2013 and their respective mothers (N = 147, 507). Using register data from Statistics Norway, a Zero-Inflated Negative Binominal Regression was fitted to estimate the relationship between mechanical and psychosocial occupational exposures and sickness absence among employed mothers. Results Mothers caring for children with disability had higher levels of sickness absences, even after adjusting for psychosocial and mechanical occupational exposures, and other possible confounding factors. When the occupational exposures analysed separately, both mechanical and psychosocial indices had a significant positive main effect on the number of sick days. The main effect of psychosocial exposure was no more significant in a simultaneous analysis, but mechanical exposure maintained its significant positive effect. However, we found no statistically significant differences in the number of sick absence days between mothers of children with and without disability based on their levels of psychosocial or mechanical job exposures. Conclusions The findings emphasize the need of providing support to mothers caring for children with disability that help them manage occupational health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Yisfashewa Wondemu
- Norwegian Social Research, Section for Health and Welfare Research, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Åsmund Hermansen
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work, Child Welfare and Social Policy, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pål Joranger
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Idunn Brekke
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Childhood and Families, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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2
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Korshøj M, Svendsen SW, Hendriksen PF, Gupta N, Holtermann A, Andersen JH, Dalbøge A, Frost P. Agreement between an expert-rated mini job exposure matrix of occupational biomechanical exposures to the lower body and technical measurements or observation: a method comparison study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e064035. [PMID: 36576183 PMCID: PMC9723893 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Investigating the agreement between an expert-rated mini job exposure matrix (JEM) of lower body exposures and technical measurements of worktime spent standing/walking and observation-based estimates of time spent kneeling/squatting and total load lifted per workday. METHODS We chose 16 job titles from the 121 job groups in the lower body JEM and included them in the mini JEM. New expert ratings for the mini JEM were performed by the same five occupational physicians who performed the ratings for the lower body JEM. For each job title and type of exposure, the exposure estimates were a mean of the five independent ratings. Technical measurements of standing/walking for all 16 job titles, and for 8 job titles workplace observations were performed of kneeling/squatting and total load lifted per workday. Data were collected from September to December 2015 and supplemented by data from the NOMAD and DPhacto studies collected between 2011 and 2013. All data were collected in Denmark. Agreement between expert-based and measured/observed lower body exposures by job titles was evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation, Bland-Altman plots evaluated systematic deviations and limits of agreement (LoA). RESULTS Standing/walking showed a rank correlation of 0.55, kneeling/squatting 0.83 and total load lifted per workday 0.71. The mini JEM estimates did not systematically deviate from the technical measurements/observations for time spent standing/walking (mean difference 0.20 hours/workday, LoA -1.63, 2.03 hours/workday) and kneeling/squatting (mean difference -0.35 hours/workday, LoA -1.21, 0.51 hours/workday). For total load lifted per workday, the mini JEM systematically overestimated the exposures compared with the observations (mean difference -909 kg/workday, LoA -3000, 1147 kg/workday). CONCLUSIONS There was moderate to very high agreement between an expert-rated mini JEM of standing/walking, kneeling/squatting, and lifting exposures and corresponding technical measurements/observations. This method comparison study supports the use of the expert-based lower body JEM in large-scale occupational epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Korshøj
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Occupational and Social Medicine, Holbæk Hospital, a part of Copenhagen University Hospital, Holbæk, Denmark
| | - Susanne Wulff Svendsen
- Danish Ramazzini Centre, Department of Occupational Medicine, Gødstrup Hospital, University Research Clinic, Gødstrup, Denmark
| | | | - Nidhi Gupta
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johan Hviid Andersen
- Danish Ramazzini Centre, Department of Occupational Medicine, Gødstrup Hospital, University Research Clinic, Gødstrup, Denmark
| | - Annett Dalbøge
- Danish Ramazzini Centre, Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Poul Frost
- Danish Ramazzini Centre, Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
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3
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Hafez KA. Occupational discomfort and injuries among automotive technicians in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study. Work 2022; 73:1203-1216. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-210522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are one of the major causes of disability and early retirement. Consequently, WMSDs cost businesses billions of dollars annually due to compensation claims and productivity loss. Automotive technicians are vulnerable to WMSDs due to the nature of their work, which exposes them to numerous WMSDs risk factors. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the WMSD cases among technicians and evaluate their postures while working in small automotive repair shops in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (SA). METHODS: The study employed a cross-sectional design. A self-administrated questionnaire and body parts discomfort survey were filled by thirty automotive technicians. A postural analysis technique was performed to assess the body postures that technicians adopt while performing the tasks, in order to estimate the associated risk of WMSD discomfort. RESULTS: Most automotive technicians suffer severe pain in the lower back, shoulders, neck, hands or wrists, and knees. The technicians related the pain to awkward body postures, heavy lifting, and sustained forceful movements. CONCLUSION: Automotive technicians are advised to level the height of the work surface as feasible, to work as close as possible to said work surface, and to avoid working with awkward body postures as much as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled A. Hafez
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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4
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Barriers and Facilitators of Implementing Injury Prevention Practices by Massage Therapists. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:443-449. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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5
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Falkstedt D, Hemmingsson T, Albin M, Bodin T, Ahlbom A, Selander J, Gustavsson P, Andersson T, Almroth M, Kjellberg K. Disability pensions related to heavy physical workload: a cohort study of middle-aged and older workers in Sweden. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2021; 94:1851-1861. [PMID: 33880628 PMCID: PMC8490214 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-021-01697-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to examine the associations between heavy physical workload among middle-aged and older workers and disability pension due to any diagnosis, as well as musculoskeletal, psychiatric, cardiovascular or respiratory diagnoses. The population-based design made it possible to examine dose-response and potential gender differences in the associations. METHODS About 1.8 million men and women aged 44-63 years and registered as living in Sweden in 2005 were followed regarding disability pension during 2006-2016, until ages 55-65 years. Mean values of physical workload and job control, estimated through gender-specific job-exposure matrices (JEMs), were assigned to individuals through their occupational titles in 2005. Exposure values were ranked separately for women and men and divided into quintiles. Associations were analyzed with Cox proportional-hazards regression. RESULTS The analyses showed robust, dose-response associations between physical workload and disability pension with a musculoskeletal diagnosis in both genders: the adjusted hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval for those with the heaviest exposure was 2.58 (2.37-2.81) in women and 3.34 (2.83-3.94) in men. Dose-response associations were also seen in relation to disability pension with a cardiovascular or a respiratory diagnosis, though the hazard ratios were smaller. Physical workload was not associated with disability pension with a psychiatric diagnosis after adjustment for job control. CONCLUSION This study of the entire Swedish population of middle-aged and older workers suggests that higher degrees of physical workload may increase the risk of disability pension overall, and specifically with musculoskeletal, cardiovascular or respiratory diagnosis, in both women and men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Falkstedt
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Tomas Hemmingsson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Albin
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Theo Bodin
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Ahlbom
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jenny Selander
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Gustavsson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas Andersson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Melody Almroth
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katarina Kjellberg
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
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6
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Bláfoss R, Vinstrup J, Skovlund SV, López-Bueno R, Calatayud J, Clausen T, Andersen LL. Musculoskeletal pain intensity in different body regions and risk of disability pension among female eldercare workers: prospective cohort study with 11-year register follow-up. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2021; 22:771. [PMID: 34507585 PMCID: PMC8431848 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04655-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Musculoskeletal pain is a risk factor for leaving the labour market temporarily and permanently. While the presence of multi-site pain increases the risk of disability pension, we lack detailed knowledge about pain intensity as a risk factor. This study investigated the association between musculoskeletal pain intensity in different body regions and risk of future disability pension among eldercare workers. Methods Eight thousand seven hundred thirty-one female eldercare workers replied to a questionnaire on work and health in 2005 and were followed for 11 years in the Danish Register for Evaluation of Marginalization. Time-to-event analyses estimated hazard ratios (HR) for disability pension from pain intensities (0–9 numeric rating scale (NRS)) in the low-back, neck/shoulders, and knees during the previous 3 months. Analyses were mutually adjusted for pain regions, age, education, lifestyle, psychosocial work factors, and physical exertion at work. Results During 11-year follow-up, 1035 (11.9%) of the eldercare workers received disability pension. For all body regions among all eldercare workers, dose-response associations were observed between higher pain intensity and risk of disability pension (p < 0.001). The risk for disability pension was increased when reporting “very high” pain levels (≥7 points on the 0–9 NRS) in the low-back (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.70–2.82), neck/shoulders (HR 2.34, 95% CI 1.88–2.92), and knees (HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.44–2.47). Population attributable risks (PAR) were 15.5, 23.2, and 9.6% for pain > 2 on NRS in the low-back, neck/shoulders, and knees, respectively, indicating that 15.5, 23.2, and 9.6% fewer eldercare workers would likely receive disability pension if the pain intensity was reduced to 2 or less. For workers ≤45 years and > 45 years, PAR was highest for neck/shoulder pain (27.6%) and low-back pain (18.8%), respectively. Conclusions The present study found positive dose-response associations between pain intensity in the low-back, neck/shoulders, and knees, and risk of disability pension during 11-year follow-up. Moderate to very high levels of musculoskeletal pain in eldercare workers should, therefore, be considered an early warning sign of involuntary premature exit from the labour market. These findings underscore the importance of preventing, managing, and reducing musculoskeletal pain to ensure a long and healthy working life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rúni Bláfoss
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Research Unit for Muscle Physiology and Biomechanics, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Jonas Vinstrup
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sebastian Venge Skovlund
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Research Unit for Muscle Physiology and Biomechanics, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Rubén López-Bueno
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Physical Medicine and Nursing, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Joaquin Calatayud
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Exercise Intervention for Health Research Group (EXINH-RG), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Thomas Clausen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Louis Andersen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Sport Sciences, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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7
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Inguinal hernia repair among men: development and validation of a preoperative risk score for persistent postoperative pain. Hernia 2021; 26:177-187. [PMID: 33570707 DOI: 10.1007/s10029-021-02376-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Persistent postoperative pain (PPP) is a prevalent complication after inguinal hernia repair. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a preoperative risk score for PPP. METHODS We developed the risk score based on a cohort of 2,508 Danish men, who answered a questionnaire six months after inguinal hernia repair performed 2015-2016. PPP was defined as a numerical rating scale score ≥ 2 during activity six months postoperatively. Logistic regression analyses were undertaken to determine statistically significant predictors of PPP. Univariable analysis selected potential predictors with a p value ≤ 0.20, and a subsequent multivariable model was built using backward elimination with a criterion of p value < 0.10. We created a risk score based on the β coefficients of the multivariable model. The risk score was validated internally using Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test, calibration belt test, and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses with 95% confidence intervals based on the bootstrap analysis. External validation was performed in a cohort of 293 men recruited preoperatively. RESULTS Predictors of PPP were age 18-49 and 50-59 (versus ≥ 60) years (p < 0.001), total load lifted > 1,000 kg/day (p = 0.001), working in a bent-over position > 1 h/day (p < 0.001), leisure-time physical activity < 2 h/week (p = 0.009), increasing body mass index (per unit) (p < 0.003), and repair of recurrent hernia (p = 0.001).The preoperative risk score predicted risks of 6-61% in the development population. The model showed good internal and external validity. CONCLUSION The results suggest that the risk of PPP after inguinal hernia repair can be predicted using a preoperative risk score.
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Amiri S, Behnezhad S. Association between job strain and sick leave: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Public Health 2020; 185:235-242. [PMID: 32682182 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2020.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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9
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Flachs EM, Petersen SEB, Kolstad HA, Schlünssen V, Svendsen SW, Hansen J, Budtz-Jørgensen E, Andersen JH, Madsen IEH, Bonde JPE. Cohort Profile: DOC*X: a nationwide Danish occupational cohort with eXposure data - an open research resource. Int J Epidemiol 2020; 48:1413-1413k. [PMID: 31730707 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyz110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Esben Meulengracht Flachs
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Henrik Albert Kolstad
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Susanne Wulff Svendsen
- Danish Ramazzini Centre, Department of Occupational Medicine, Regional Hospital West Jutland - University Research Clinic, Herning, Denmark
| | - Johnni Hansen
- The Danish Cancer Society, Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Esben Budtz-Jørgensen
- Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johan Hviid Andersen
- Danish Ramazzini Centre, Department of Occupational Medicine, Regional Hospital West Jutland - University Research Clinic, Herning, Denmark
| | | | - Jens Peter Ellekilde Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Institute of, Public, Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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10
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Sirén M, Viikari-Juntura E, Arokoski J, Solovieva S. Occupational and non-occupational risk factors of sickness absence due to a shoulder lesion. Occup Environ Med 2020; 77:393-401. [PMID: 32188633 PMCID: PMC7279187 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2019-106335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To determine the associations of lifestyle factors and cumulative physical workload exposures with sickness absence (SA) due to a shoulder lesion and to calculate their population attributable fractions (PAF). Methods Our nationally representative cohort consisted of 4344 individuals aged 30–62 years who participated in the Finnish Health 2000 Survey. Education, smoking, chronic diseases and work exposures were assessed during interviews and leisure time physical activity with a questionnaire. Weight and height were measured. We followed the individuals for 15 years for the first SA due to a shoulder lesion. We used competing risk regression models. We calculated PAFs to assess the proportion of SA that was attributed to modifiable risk factors. Results In the entire study population, risk factors of SA were age, daily smoking, being exposed for more than 10 years to physically heavy work and being exposed for more than 10 years to at least two specific physical workload factors. The overall PAF for the modifiable risk factors was 49%. In men, number of specific cumulative exposures, obesity and daily smoking predicted SA with PAF values of 34%, 30% and 14%, respectively. Among women, being exposed for more than 10 years to physically heavy work, number of specific cumulative exposures and daily smoking accounted for 23%, 22% and 15% of SA, respectively. Conclusions Reducing significantly prolonged exposure to physical workload factors, avoiding regular smoking in both genders and obesity in men has a high potential to prevent SA due to a shoulder lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sirén
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Jari Arokoski
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Svetlana Solovieva
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland.,National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
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11
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Andersen LL, Thorsen SV, Flyvholm MA, Holtermann A. Long-term sickness absence from combined factors related to physical work demands: prospective cohort study. Eur J Public Health 2019; 28:824-829. [PMID: 29741617 PMCID: PMC6148972 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cky073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The working environment plays an important role in public health. This study investigates the risk for long-term sickness absence (LTSA) from the combination of factors related to physical work demands. Methods Employees (n = 22 740) of the general population (the Danish Work Environment & Health study 2012) were followed for two years in the Danish Register for Evaluation of Marginalisation. Using Cox regression analyses we determined the risk of LTSA from four factors; (i) physical work demands, (ii) physical exertion during work, (iii) fatigue after work and (iv) work-limiting pain. Results During follow-up 10.2% experienced LTSA. Each of the four factors increased the risk of LTSA with hazard ratios (HR) ranging from 1.30 to 1.57. Scoring high on one (30.3% of the respondents), two (24.4%), three (19.9%) and all four factors (9.2%) gradually increased the risk of LTSA (HR’s of 1.39 [95% CI 1.16–1.66], 1.66 [95% CI 1.39–1.99], 1.90 [95% CI 1.57–2.29] and 3.02 [95% CI 2.47–3.68], respectively). Risk estimates remained robust in stratified analyses of age, sex and socioeconomic position. Population attributable fractions were high across all subgroups; 39% (general population), 36% (younger workers), 45% (older workers), 36% (men), 41% (women), 30% (higher socioeconomic position) and 45% (lower socioeconomic position). Conclusion The risk of LTSA gradually increased with number of factors related to high physical work demands, underlining the importance of targeting combined factors in risk assessment and preventive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars L Andersen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Sport Sciences, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Sannie V Thorsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mari-Ann Flyvholm
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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12
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Svebak S, Halvari H. Sickness Absence due to Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: The Exploration of a Predictive Psychological Model Including Negative Moods, Subjective Health and Work Efficacy in an Adult County Population (The HUNT Study). EUROPES JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2018; 14:373-385. [PMID: 30008952 PMCID: PMC6016039 DOI: 10.5964/ejop.v14i2.1470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The relation between musculoskeletal pain and sickness absence was tested in an adult county population. Maximal explained variance in absence from work due to chronic musculoskeletal pain (sickness absence) was tested in a model in which subjective health was expected to mediate the associations between such pain and dysphoria, respectively, and work efficacy. In turn, work efficacy was expected to mediate the link between subjective health and sickness absence. All the residents in the County of Nord-Trøndelag, Norway, aged 20 and older, were invited to take part in a public health survey during 1995-97 (HUNT-2), and 66,140 (71.2%) participated. Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, dysphoria, subjective health and work efficacy were assessed, as well as sickness absence last year due to musculoskeletal pain. The model test was performed by use of the LISREL procedure based upon data from 30,158 employees reporting chronic musculoskeletal pain last year. The measurement model fitted the data well: χ2 = 9075, df = 52, p < .0004, Critical N = 1041, RMSEA = 0.038, CFI = 0.99, SRMR = 0.020. The structural model fitted the data equally well, and the best prediction of sickness absence was obtained with lower back pain, upper and lower extremity pain, as well as dysphoria as the primary variables affecting subjective health that, in turn, was the convergent predictor of work efficacy that, finally, best explained the variance in sickness absence (56%). The data supported an indirect sequence of complaint-health-efficacy (CHE-model) as the best predictor of sickness absence due to musculoskeletal pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Svebak
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Mental Health, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Hallgeir Halvari
- University College Southeast Norway, School of Business and Social Sciences, Hønefoss, Norway
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13
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Tsutsumi A, Shimazu A, Eguchi H, Inoue A, Kawakami N. A Japanese Stress Check Program screening tool predicts employee long-term sickness absence: a prospective study. J Occup Health 2017; 60:55-63. [PMID: 29093366 PMCID: PMC5799101 DOI: 10.1539/joh.17-0161-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: On December 1, 2015, the Japanese government launched the Stress Check Program, a new occupational health policy to screen employees for high psychosocial stress in the workplace. As only weak evidence exists for the effectiveness of the program, we sought to estimate the risk of stress-associated long-term sickness absence as defined in the program manual. Methods: Participants were 7356 male and 7362 female employees in a financial service company who completed the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ). We followed them for 1 year and used company records to identify employees with sickness absence of 1 month or longer. We defined high-risk employees using the BJSQ and criteria recommended by the program manual. We used the Cox proportional regression model to evaluate the prospective association between stress and long-term sickness absence. Results: During the follow-up period, we identified 34 male and 35 female employees who took long-term sickness absence. After adjustment for age, length of service, job type, position, and post-examination interview, hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for incident long-term sickness absence in high-stress employees were 6.59 (3.04-14.25) for men and 2.77 (1.32-5.83) for women. The corresponding population attributable risks for high stress were 23.8% (10.3-42.6) for men and 21.0% (4.6-42.1) for women. Conclusions: During the 1-year follow-up, employees identified as high stress (as defined by the Stress Check Program manual) had significantly elevated risks for long-term sickness absence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akizumi Tsutsumi
- Department of Public Health, Kitasato University School of Medicine
| | - Akihito Shimazu
- Center for Human and Social Sciences, Kitasato University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
| | - Hisashi Eguchi
- Department of Public Health, Kitasato University School of Medicine
| | - Akiomi Inoue
- Department of Public Health, Kitasato University School of Medicine
| | - Norito Kawakami
- Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
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