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Serafim RS, Bispo LGM, da Silva JMN, da Silva JG. Dimensional assessment of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms by workers: A multi-case study. Work 2024; 78:119-130. [PMID: 38517834 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) encompass a range of conditions affecting muscles, tendons, and nerves. Visual diagrams are widely used to identify symptoms and to generate musculoskeletal discomfort metrics. However, there is no consensus on the number of discomfort dimensions that can originate from self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms by individuals. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to test the fit of WMSD symptom models from workers in two samples of different sizes. METHODS A combination of Full-Information Item Factor Analysis (FIFA) and Item Response Theory (IRT) was utilized to analyze and test the models. The study was conducted in two samples of workers (n1 = 6944 and n2 = 420) who had their symptoms identified with the aid of a human body diagram. An analysis was conducted considering each sample's unidimensional and three multidimensional models. RESULTS The unidimensional model (general musculoskeletal discomfort), bi-dimensional model (discomfort in upper and lower body), and tridimensional model (discomfort in the upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk) showed good values of factor loading and communalities, along with satisfactory item discrimination ability. Regardless of sample size, parameter estimation for IRT and FIFA proceeded without issues, presenting suitable fit parameters. CONCLUSION Three models were valid and reliable for more extensive and smaller samples. However, the tridimensional model was best for generating discomfort scores in body regions. Companies and safety professionals can use these findings to devise strategies to mitigate musculoskeletal pains based on perceived symptom locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rômulo Silva Serafim
- Federal University of Alagoas - Campus do Sertão - Delmiro Gouveia, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gomes Miranda Bispo
- Postgraduate Program in Production Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Joel Gomes da Silva
- Federal University of Alagoas - Campus do Sertão - Delmiro Gouveia, Alagoas, Brazil
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Silva LKD, Silva ATCD, Moreno CF, Souza ERMD, Nunes TFB, Souza LAHD, Vergara LGL, da Silva JMN. Assessment of the musculoskeletal discomfort scale for upper limb among workers in inner Brazil. Work 2024; 78:83-97. [PMID: 38701121 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work-related musculoskeletal disorders for upper limbs (UL-WMSDs) form a complex of occupational diseases common to many professions worldwide. UL-WMSDs are manifested in most cases by pain, resulting in musculoskeletal discomfort. OBJECTIVE This research aimed to evaluate the perception of musculoskeletal discomfort in workers from the interior of the Brazilian states of Alagoas and Bahia through the construction of a scale to assess musculoskeletal discomfort for upper limb. METHODS The discomfort assessment scale was constructed from self-reported pain symptoms by 420 workers from the inner regions of the Brazilian states of Alagoas and Bahia. The reliability and dimensionality of the collected data were analyzed by McDonald's Omega and exploratory factor analysis, respectively. Item Response Theory (IRT) was used to create parameters for the discomfort scale. RESULTS The musculoskeletal discomfort metric was constructed from the workers' response with six levels (varying from minimum discomfort to maximum discomfort). At the lowest level of the scale, workers indicated symptoms in the shoulders and wrists were rare. At the highest level of the scale, daily pain symptoms are reported in all regions of the upper limbs. The shoulders are the last region to develop extreme pain symptoms. CONCLUSION The metric was created to present satisfactory psychometric properties and capable measurement of the workers' level of musculoskeletal discomfort based on self-reported pain symptoms. Therefore, the metric can support measuring discomfort, contributing to decisions that improve a healthier occupational environment for the worker.
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da Silva JG, da Silva JMN, Bispo LGM, de Souza DSF, Serafim RS, Torres MGL, Leite WKDS, Vieira EMDA. Construction of a Musculoskeletal Discomfort Scale for the Lower Limbs of Workers: An Analysis Using the Multigroup Item Response Theory. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5307. [PMID: 37047921 PMCID: PMC10094112 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal symptoms are a major occupational health problem in workers, and these can affect all professional occupations. Previous studies have proposed metrics capable of evaluating the musculoskeletal discomfort experienced by workers. However, no study has developed a metric that considers professional groups. Thus, this study aimed to develop a scale for musculoskeletal discomfort in the lower limbs to compare self-reported symptoms among education, health, and industry professionals. The sample included 159 teachers, 167 health professionals, and 401 industrial operators who relayed their symptoms using a diagram of the hips, thighs, knees, lower legs, and feet. Factor and multigroup item response theory analyses were used to construct a musculoskeletal discomfort scale consisting of seven levels and to assess and compare the identified symptoms. The results showed that the progressive evolution of discomfort differed for each profession, demonstrating that each context and work environment affects workers differently, which may explain the different patterns of symptom responses among professional groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Gomes da Silva
- Production Engineering Course, Backland Campus, Federal University of Alagoas, Delmiro Gouveia 57480-000, AL, Brazil
| | - Jonhatan Magno Norte da Silva
- Production Engineering Course, Backland Campus, Federal University of Alagoas, Delmiro Gouveia 57480-000, AL, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gomes Miranda Bispo
- Department of Production and Transport Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90010-190, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Rômulo Silva Serafim
- Production Engineering Course, Backland Campus, Federal University of Alagoas, Delmiro Gouveia 57480-000, AL, Brazil
| | - Manoel Gerônimo Lino Torres
- Production Engineering Course, Backland Campus, Federal University of Alagoas, Delmiro Gouveia 57480-000, AL, Brazil
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Calvache-Mateo A, López-López L, Martín-Núñez J, Heredia-Ciuró A, Granados-Santiago M, Ortiz-Rubio A, Valenza MC. Pain and Clinical Presentation: A Cross-Sectional Study of Patients with New-Onset Chronic Pain in Long-COVID-19 Syndrome. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20054049. [PMID: 36901059 PMCID: PMC10001485 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of pain (i.e., pain intensity, pain interference, clinical presentation) in Long-COVID-19 patients and compare the location of pain between successfully recovered COVID-19 patients and healthy matched controls. A cross-sectional case-control study was carried out. Long-COVID-19 patients, age- and sex-matched patients with a history of COVID-19 who had successfully recovered, and healthy controls were included. Outcomes included were pain characteristics (Brief Pain Inventory and Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire) and clinical presentation (Widespread Pain Index and Euroqol-5 Dimensions 5 Levels Visual Analogue Scale). Sixty-nine patients with Long-COVID-19 syndrome, sixty-six successfully recovered COVID-19 patients, and sixty-seven healthy controls were evaluated. Patients with Long-COVID-19 syndrome showed greater pain intensity and interference. In addition, they showed worse quality of life and greater widespread pain, with the most frequent locations of pain being the neck, legs, and head. In conclusion, patients with Long-COVID-19 syndrome show a high prevalence of pain, characterized by widespread pain of moderate intensity and interference, with the most frequent locations being the neck, legs, and head, significantly affecting the quality of life of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Calvache-Mateo
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Laura López-López
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Javier Martín-Núñez
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Alejandro Heredia-Ciuró
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | | | - Araceli Ortiz-Rubio
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Marie Carmen Valenza
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
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Chen N, Li G, Sun X, Zhang M, Zhang H, Ling R, Liu Y, Li G, Ren Z, Yin Y, Shao H, Zhang H, Li J, Qiu B, Wang D, Zeng Q, Liang Z, Wang R, Chen J, Zhang D, Mei L, Liu Y, Liu J, Zhang C, Li T, Wang Z, Chen Q, Jia N. Prevalence status and associated factors of wrist postural injury in the Chinese occupational population. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1047814. [PMID: 36504943 PMCID: PMC9727286 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1047814] [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: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study investigated the prevalence of wrist injuries in 15 industries and different types of work in China. Study on the associated factors of wrist injuries provides a scientific basis for prevention and treatment of wrist diseases in occupational workers. Methods A cross-sectional study of musculoskeletal symptoms of related practitioners in 15 industries, including automobile manufacturing, was conducted to retrieve worker demographic information, working wrist posture, and pain conditions. Multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Results The prevalence of wrist injuries among the study population was 13.2%. Toy manufacturing, animal husbandry, automobile manufacturing, shoe manufacturing, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing had the highest wrist injury rates at 29.1, 19.1, 14.9, 14.9, and 14.0%, respectively. Among the types of jobs, enamel workers (63.0%), butchers (43.6%), combers (32.5%), welders (31.3%), and scaffolders (26.5%) had the highest prevalence rates. Based on the final multivariate logistic regression analysis: female [odds ratios (OR) = 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15-1.35], 6-10 years of service (OR = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03-1.18), >10 years of service (OR = 1.15; 95% CI, 1.06-1.25), frequent upward and downward flexion in wrist posture at work (OR = 1.81; 95% CI, 1.84-2.11), and frequent wrist placement on the edge of angular objects increased the OR of injury (OR = 1.52; 95% CI, 1.44-1.61). Need to squeeze objects tightly while working (OR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.57-1.89), prolonged wrist flexion (OR = 1.86; 95% CI, 1.75-1.97), and work hand position above the shoulder for prolonged periods (OR = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04-1.19) also suggested the relationship between these factors and the higher prevalence of wrist injury in the workers. The associated factor was physical activity (OR = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.80-0.94). Conclusion This study suggested the relationship between these factors and the higher prevalence of wrist injury in the toy manufacturing, animal husbandry, automobile manufacturing, and shoe-making industries, enamel workers, butchers, and combers. And are work types that require special attention. Females, working age, physical activity, and abnormal posture of the wrist were factors significantly associated with WMSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nengzhou Chen
- Guangdong Public Health Testing and Evaluation Engineering Technology Center, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanlin Li
- Guangdong Public Health Testing and Evaluation Engineering Technology Center, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Sun
- National Institute of Occupational Health and Poisoning Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Meibian Zhang
- National Institute of Occupational Health and Poisoning Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Huadong Zhang
- Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | | | - Yiming Liu
- Guangzhou Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gang Li
- Liaoning Provincial Health Service Center, Shenyang, China
| | - Zaoliang Ren
- Guizhou Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guiyang, China
| | - Yan Yin
- Shanghai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Shao
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Disease Control, Jinan, China
| | - Hengdong Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiajie Li
- Guangdong Public Health Testing and Evaluation Engineering Technology Center, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bing Qiu
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing, China
| | - Dayu Wang
- Tianjin Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Tianjin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhanhui Liang
- Guangdong Public Health Testing and Evaluation Engineering Technology Center, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rugang Wang
- Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jianchao Chen
- Fujian Provincial Center for Occupational Disease and Chemical Poisoning Prevention and Control, Fuzhou, China
| | - Danying Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Occupational Disease Prevention and Control Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liangying Mei
- Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongquan Liu
- Institute of Occupational Medicine of Jiangxi, Nanchang, China
| | - Jixiang Liu
- Ningxia Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yinchuan, China
| | - Chengyun Zhang
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianlai Li
- Shanxi Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xian, China
| | - Zhongxu Wang
- National Institute of Occupational Health and Poisoning Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Qingsong Chen
- Guangdong Public Health Testing and Evaluation Engineering Technology Center, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China,Qingsong Chen
| | - Ning Jia
- National Institute of Occupational Health and Poisoning Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Ning Jia
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Laberge M, Lefrançois M, Chadoin M, Probst I, Riel J, Casse C, Messing K. Gender and work in ergonomics: recent trends. ERGONOMICS 2022; 65:1451-1455. [PMID: 36166412 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2022.2129806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Since the establishment of the Gender and Work Technical Committee (TC) of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA) in 2006, many researchers have addressed the role of sex and gender in ergonomics, producing a great deal of new information. This special issue aims to present new ways of viewing women's work and gender differences in work-related injury risks in an era of rapidly changing labour market configurations. It offers innovative methods for integrating sex and gender into ergonomic analysis and for designing work environments. It shares reflections on the intersection of vulnerabilities according to certain identity markers. Finally, it contributes to establishing milestones standards of practice so that the consideration of sex and gender can be more systematically modelled in ergonomics research and interventions, for example, in training ergonomists or in knowledge transfer initiatives.Practitioner summary: This editorial article provides an overview of the background and the content of the Special Issue 'Gender and Work in Ergonomics: Recent trends'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Laberge
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, UHC Sainte-Justine Research Center, University of Montreal (UdeM), Montréal, Canada
- CINBIOSE Research Center, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Mélanie Lefrançois
- CINBIOSE Research Center, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Organization and Human Resources, School of Management, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Martin Chadoin
- CINBIOSE Research Center, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Organization and Human Resources, School of Management, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Isabelle Probst
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Riel
- CINBIOSE Research Center, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Organization and Human Resources, School of Management, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Christelle Casse
- Institute for Labor Studies of Lyon (IETL), Université Louis Lumière Lyon 2, UMR 5600 Environment City Society, France
| | - Karen Messing
- CINBIOSE Research Center, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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