bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of functional outcomes in patients with chronic	pain
Authors: Hankin Heather A. , Killian Clyde B. 
Published: December 2024

This prospective study determined the extent to which demographic factors, pain levels, psychological factors, and readiness to change predicted functional outcomes in patients with chronic pain. Method: Participants were 26 patients referred for evaluation to a multidisciplinary pain management program. The Pain Disability Index (PDI), Pain Patient Profile® (P-3), and Pain Stages of Change Questionnaire (PSOCQ) measured function, psychological factors and readiness to change respectively. Patients completed the battery of tests upon initial evaluation and 3 months into treatment. Results: A regression analysis using only initial assessment measures as predictors of functional outcome indicated a 2-variable prediction model (work status and contemplation) that accounted for 49% of the variance in 3-month functional outcome. Regression analysis using data at initial and follow-up assessment found that work status, contemplation, and best and worst pain at follow-up predicted 84.4% of the variance in 3-month functional outcome. Conclusion: These findings provide good models for prediction of 3-month functional outcome based on demographic, psychological, and readiness to change indicators.
Middle school children's participation in activities and the	effects of pain from backpack use on participation
Authors: Lockhart Renée Alison , Jacobs Karen , Orsmond Gael 
Published: December 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the activities in which middle school students participate most often. This research also determined whether students reported having difficulty participating in specific activities because of musculoskeletal pain from using their backpack, and whether the pain impacted the frequency with which they participated in activities. Method: One hundred and twenty seven 7th grade students between the ages of 12 and 13 years old completed The Activity Participation Survey. This survey was used to determine the activities that students participated in most often and whether their participation was impacted by pain. Frequencies and independent samples t-tests were used to analyze the data. Results: The results revealed that over 50% of students participated in work related activities such as completing homework, carrying books during school and completing household chores most often throughout the week. The results also indicated that 31.0% of the students reported having difficulty participating in activities as a result of pain. Nearly 25% of students reported having difficulty carrying their books during school because of pain, and 19% reported having difficulty playing sports. It is notable that among the students who reported having difficulty carrying their books, 12% reported carrying their books less frequently. Conclusions: Future studies should be performed to verify that pain from backpack use causes middle school students' participation in activities to be difficult. Continued research may further reveal that students may decrease the frequency that they engage in activities because of difficulty and pain, and results may be used to educate others on the scope and pertinence of this issue to students' daily lives.
Upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and functional impairment	associated with computer use among college students
Authors: Hupert Nathaniel , Amick Benjamin C. , Fossel Anne H. , Coley Christopher M. , Robertson Michelle M. , Katz Jeffrey N. 
Published: December 2024

Purpose: Occupational computer use has been associated with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among working-age adults, but little is known about computer-related musculoskeletal problems among college students. We carried out a descriptive epidemiological study of computer use-associated symptoms, functional limitations, and medication and health care utilization in this population. Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional survey of 240 undergraduates in the second through fourth years at a residential dormitory at a four-year college with random housing assignments. Results: 194 students returned useable surveys (81% response rate). 42% reported upper extremity pain or discomfort when using a computer in the preceding two weeks. 41% said this pain or discomfort caused functional limitation and 9% said that these symptoms hindered academic or extracurricular performance. 23% reported taking medications for upper extremity pain related to computing (4% regularly) and 16% had seen a health care provider for computer-related symptoms. Female students, students of racial/ethnic minority groups, and students who experienced symptoms with ≤ 1 hour of computer use were more likely to report symptom-related functional limitation than others. Conclusion: College students report high rates of computer use-associated upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and symptom-related functional limitation. Future studies should more closely examine exposure, demographic, and ergonomic correlates of these symptoms and outcomes.Purpose:
Construction managers' perceptions of construction safety	practices in small and large firms: A qualitative investigation
Authors: Gillen Marion , Kools Susan , McCall Cade , Sum Juliann , Moulden Kelli 
Published: December 2024

Background and Goals: Despite the institution of explicit safety practices in construction, there continue to be exceedingly high rates of morbidity and mortality from work-related injury. This study's purpose was to identify, compare and contrast views of construction managers from large and small firms regarding construction safety practices. A complementary analysis was conducted with construction workers. Methods: A semi-structured interview guide was used to elicit information from construction managers (n = 22) in a series of focus groups. Questions were designed to obtain information on direct safety practices and indirect practices such as communication style, attitude, expectations, and unspoken messages. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: Managers identified a broad commitment to safety, worker training, a changing workplace culture, and uniform enforcement as key constructs in maintaining safe worksites. Findings indicate that successful managers need to be involved, principled, flexible, and innovative. Best practices, as well as unsuccessful injury prevention programs, were discussed in detail. Obstacles to consistent safety practice include poor training, production schedules and financial constraints. Conclusions: Construction managers play a pivotal role in the definition and implementation of safety practices in the workplace. In order to succeed in this role, they require a wide variety of management skills, upper management support, and tools that will help them instill and maintain a positive safety culture. Developing and expanding management skills of construction managers may assist them in dealing with the complexity of the construction work environment, as well as providing them with the tools necessary to decrease work-related injuries.
The prevalence of computer-related musculoskeletal complaints in	female college students
Authors: Hamilton Audra G. , Jacobs Karen , Orsmond Gael 
Published: December 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of computer-related musculoskeletal complaints in female college students. This research also explored whether the number of hours per day spent using a computer, type of computer used (laptop vs. desktop), or academic major was related to the presence of musculoskeletal complaints. Additionally, "job strain", a measure of job stress which can affect the physical health of an individual, was measured to determine whether students feel stress from the job of "student" and if so, whether it contributed to these complaints. Methods: Two surveys, The Boston University Computer and Health Survey and the Job Content Questionnaire [9], were distributed to 111 female college students to measure musculoskeletal complaints and job strain. Seventy-two surveys were returned. Chi-square and logistical regression were used to analyze the data. Results: The results indicated that 80.6% of the participants reported computer-related musculoskeletal complaints in the two weeks prior to completing the survey, although none of the examined factors were associated with the complaints. It is notable, however, that 82% of the students reported spending 0–6 hours/day using a computer, with almost 28% reporting 4–6 hours/day of usage. Eleven percent of the participants reported using the computer more than 8 hours/day. Of those students who use a laptop computer for all computer use, 90.1% reported musculoskeletal complaints. The students reported that they did not experience job strain. Further studies should be performed using a survey specifically intended for college students. Conclusion: The majority of female college students in this study reported musculoskeletal discomfort during or after computer use. Although a statistical correlation could not be made, students using laptop computers reported a higher incidence of musculoskeletal symptoms than those using desktop computers. Additionally, female college students did not seem to experience job strain. Future research should continue on larger, more diverse samples of students to better understand the prevalence and contributors of musculoskeletal complaints, how college students experience job strain (stress), and whether these two factors are related.
Intersections of care: An analysis of culturally competent care,	client centered care, and the feminist ethic of care
Authors: Black Roxie M. 
Published: December 2024

Many of us work within a health carefield, but do we think about the meaning of the care that we provide? This paper examines three approaches to practices in the caring professions; culturally competent care, client centered care, and the feminist ethic of care, in an effort to discover if and where the three intersect. Although philosophically similar, the essence of caring practice discovered in this examination resulted in the simple equation: Provider knowledge and skills + client respect = client empowerment An examination of the meaning of this formula and its implication for practice is included.
Evaluation of ergonomic interventions to reduce musculoskeletal	disorders of dentists in the Netherlands
Authors: Droeze Ester Haver , Jonsson Hans 
Published: December 2024

Objectives: An ergonomic intervention program was implemented in the Netherlands to reduce musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs) in dental clinics. The aim of this study was to improve preventional methods by evaluating the secondary prevention programme from the dentists' point of view; investigating the dentists ability to implement the recommendations; identifying barriers and facilitators for implementation; ascertaining whether implementation of these recommendations led to a perceived reduction of their MSD. Method: A questionnaire survey was conducted. The questionnaire, specially developed for this research was mailed to 57 dentists who went through the intervention program. They all returned the questionnaire. Results: Over 50% of the dentists implemented the recommendations given during the intervention fully or nearly fully, and 40% implemented the recommendations partially. Barriers that made change difficult included changing old routines and financial aspects. Important facilitators were motivation, pain and individualized recommendations. The dentists saw a clear relation between their implementation of recommendations and a reduction in MSD.; 72% of the dentists reported a reduction or disappearance of the main complaint. Conclusions: The study shows that even in a highly motivated group recommendations to reduce MSD will often be only partially implemented. This obviously influences the effectiveness of intervention programmes. Improving our understanding of barriers and facilitators to the implementation of ergonomic measures may result in a class of guidelines dealing with implementation issues.
A comparison of self-perceived physical and psycho-social worker	profiles of people with direct work injury, chronic low back pain, and	cumulative trauma
Authors: Cheng Joseph Chung-Keung , Li-Tsang Cecilia Wai-ping 
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the psycho-social factors among injured workers and the influence of their psycho-social profile on the readiness of return to work. Sixty-four subjects with injuries on the upper limbs or lower limbs, low back pain, or cumulative trauma disorder were recruited. The workers' profiles (self-perceived physical health, mental health, and work readiness) together with the impact and types of work injury on the workers' perceived wellness were measured. The regression model of work readiness was constructed to develop a theoretical background for predicting work readiness based on different factors. The results showed that injured workers with chronic injury such as low back pain or cumulative trauma had poorer self-perception of physical health and psycho-social/mental health compared to those with direct trauma. The regression analysis further affirmed that self-perceived pain and physical functioning were significant factors influencing the readiness for returning to work. Workers with low back pain were found to have lower motivation for returning to work. Other factors such as the non-verbal intelligence of the injured workers, their anxiety level, and the support they received from family members were found to have some indirect impact on their ability to return to work, but this was not statistically proven.
Factors affecting vocational outcomes of people with chronic	illness participating in a supported competitive open employment program in	Hong Kong
Authors: Lee Rosalia K.Y. , Chan Chetwyn C.H. 
Published: December 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the ability of the Patient Retraining and Vocational Resettlement (PRAVR) program to enhance the vocational outcomes of individuals with chronic illness, and to study the socio-demographic factors associated with successful vocational outcome. Study design: A retrospective study of 548 individuals with various types of chronic illness who enrolled in the program between 1995 and 2003. Their socio-demographic data and their employment outcome after a six-month job skills retraining and job settlement service were collected for analysis. Results: The program was found to enhance the vocational outcomes of patients who completed the program. Logistic regression identified significant factors predicting successful vocational outcomes. For the male patients, the chances of employment were higher if the onset of illness had occurred at least 10 years before (odd ratios = 0.326). For the female patients, the chances of employment were higher if they had been unemployed for less than 1 year (odd ratio = 3.8). Conclusions: The PRAVR program is able to enhance the vocational outcomes of people with chronic illness in Hong Kong. The factors which were found to relate to successful employment were unique to the local situation. Further studies should explore these factors in a more in-depth manner.
Postural control in nurses with and without low back pain
Authors: Ratzon Navah Z. , Froom Paul 
Published: December 2024

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is common in nurses, but it is unclear if the pain is associated with measurements of postural control. Objective measurements of function might be useful in the evaluation of patients with LBP in order to evaluate and predict disability, and in the study of the pathophysiology of chronic LBP. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we measured the number of postural adjustments, and degree of posterior-lateral sway in 81 nurses, using a computerized postural sway four-platter measurement system. Results: There were 41 (56.6%) nurses who complained of LBP at the time of testing, and another 12 (14.8%) with a past history of LBP. Nurses with LBP consistently used more postural adjustments to keep their balance (p<0.003), and in some positions postural adjustments were positively associated with the degree of past and present pain. LBP was not significantly associated with the degree of lateral sway. Conclusions: Nurses either with present or a past history of LBP use an increased number of postural adjustments to maintain balance. Studies are warranted to determine if postural testing can predict the development of LBP or aid in determining appropriate preventive measures.
Factors relevant to a return to work: A multivariate	approach
Authors: Hansen Annie , Edlund Curt , Henningsson Mikael 
Published: December 2024

This paper contributes to the understanding of the factors that are significant for returning to work, and identifies factors that might be used early on in a period of sick leave to discern whether people are likely to work again. In the design, the multivariate Partial Least Squares (PLS) of Latent Structures method was used to analyse information from a questionnaire containing socio-demographic items, and information on symptoms, consequences on daily life, expectations and psychosocial factors. Data about the incidence of sickness over a four-year period was included. 121 adults aged 18–64 years on sick leave participated, irrespective of their diagnoses. A reliable prediction of a return to work required the combination of many factors: individual psychosocial instruments are not useful when considered in isolation. The strongest predictive factors for a return to work concern the individuals' expectations, the number of days of sick leave taken in the past, somatic disorders, and a high level of life satisfaction and sense of coherence. Many factors influence the outcome for people on sick leave: PLS analysis demonstrated that a multivariate approach using this method could predict the long-term outcome early on in a period of sick leave.
Effects of co-financed interdisciplinary teamwork on sick leave	for people with musculoskeletal disorders
Authors: Hultberg Eva-Lisa , Lönnroth Knut , Allebeck Peter , Hensing Gunnel 
Published: December 2024

Aims: The aim of the study was to assess if health care centres with a co-financing model for collaborative rehabilitation between primary health care, sickness insurance offices and social welfare offices reduced sick leave among persons with musculoskeletal disorders compared to health centres with conventional rehabilitation structures. Method: A comparative prospective study was conducted. Consecutive patients aged 16–64 with musculoskeletal disorders attending the health care centres with (n=107) and without (n=31) co-financing model were interviewed. In addition, we collected register data about patients' allowances for sick leave days for totally 18 months. Results: The intervention group had an average of 94 days and the controls 87 days on sick leave during the 12-months period after inclusion in the study. At 12 months the proportion of patients sick listed was 31% in the intervention group and 32% in the control group. Conclusion: The study could not show that the co-financing model reduced the numbers of sick leave days among patients with musculoskeletal disorders. A possible explanation for the lack of positive impact on patients' health or work ability might be that the working procedure has in fact not really been changed and the tool mix lack solid evidence. The study identifies some methodological problems addressed in future research trying to link organisational changes with patient outcomes.
A study of the effects of isokinetic pre-employment physical	capability screening in the reduction of musculoskeletal disorders in a labor	intensive work environment
Authors: Rosenblum Keith E. , Shankar Arti 
Published: December 2024

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of pre-employment physical ability screening using isokinetic dynamometry in injury development, specific to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the knees, shoulders and back among workers in physically demanding jobs. Methods: New hires (n=503) from a large US employer's 105 industrial yards were screened to match the physical demands of their prospective jobs and tracked for up to 33 months. Results were compared to a control group of 1423 workers. Results: There were significant reductions in the frequency and severity of musculoskeletal disorder injuries in the screened employee population. Non-screened applicants were 2.38 times more likely to experience a MSD-related overexertion injury specific to the knees, shoulders and back than screened hires (OR=2.3759; p=0.0001), and incurred 4.33 times higher cost of claims (p=0.0003). Covariates of age, pay type, race and job classification were markedly different between screened and unscreened hires. Among the screened cohort, only the more physically demanding job classifications were significant with field material handlers 7.1 times more likely to experience a non-MSD than less physically demanding workers (OR=7.1036; p=0.0063). Conclusions: Objective isokinetic pre-employment screening may significantly reduce injuries in physically demanding jobs. Employees having been effectively matched to the physical demands of their jobs may be at significantly lesser risk of injury and disability from both musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal disorders.
Work and health in Gnosjö: A longitudinal study
Authors: Bildt Carina , Backstig Lena , Hjelm Inga-Lill Andersson 
Published: December 2024

This study includes women and men born between 1934 and 1953 in the municipality of Gnosjö in the south of Sweden and covers the period 1998 to 2001. Compared with the country, a large proportion of the population of the municipality of Gnosjö works in the manufacturing industry. The aim was to examine associations between physical and psychological stress factors in and outside work, sickness absence and cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases, from a gender perspective. Information about working conditions and other aspect of life was collected by a questionnaire in 1998, and register data about sickness absence, cardiovascular diseases and musculoskeletal diseases 1999–2001. The impact on sickness absence consisted mainly of demand and control aspects of the psychosocial working conditions, but also temporary employment and of low sense of coherence. In relation to musculoskeletal health, demand and control was important among women, but not among men. Very few physical factors in the work environment were related to musculoskeletal diseases. Low sense of coherence had an impact also on musculoskeletal diseases. Cardiovascular diseases among women were influenced by demand and control and by life style related factors. We hope that the knowledge gained from our study makes it possible to develop better tools for both the preventive work in Gnosjö and for the rehabilitation of the people already ill. Because of our holistic approach, both public health aspects and working life aspects are covered. The municipality of Gnosjö is small, and therefore foreseeable in a way that many municipalities are not. Still, we do believe that our finding, in this longitudinal study, can be of value also in the public efforts and the efforts to develop adequate and successful rehabilitation approaches.