Abstract
The Workstyle Short Form (24 items) (WSF-24) has been tested for its psychometric properties on work-related upper-extremity musculoskeletal symptoms (WRUEMSs) among office workers. However, the impact of workstyle should not only be limited to WRUEMSs and the sedentary workforce. The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the modified 24-item Chinese WSF (C-WSF-24) to identify work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WRMSs) in various body parts among nursing assistants (NAs) working in nursing homes. Four hundred and thirty-nine NAs participated in the study. The results of the factor analysis were that a four-factor solution (working through pain, social reactivity at work, demands at work and breaks) accounted for 56.45% of the total variance. Furthermore, validation against known groups showed that the total score and subscale scores of the C-WSF-24 had the ability to discriminate between NAs with and without WRMSs in various body parts (such as low back and lower extremities). Additionally, C-WSF-24 had a statistically significant association with the contributing factors to WRMSs. This is the first study to examine the psychometric properties of the C-WSF-24 in the non-sedentary workforce, with a focus on various body parts of WRMSs. The results demonstrated that C-WSF-24 is reliable and valid for assessing WRMSs in various body parts among NAs.
Highlights
Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WRMSs) are a major public health issue [1].This issue has been shown as one of the leading reasons for nursing personnel to quit their job [2,3].In nursing homes, this issue affects workers’ health ( nursing assistants (NAs), direct care providers), and their clients’ quality of care [2]
This is the first study to examine the psychometric properties of the C-Workstyle Short Form (WSF)-24 in the non-sedentary workforce, with a focus on various body parts of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WRMSs)
The results demonstrated that C-WSF-24 is reliable and valid for assessing WRMSs in various body parts among NAs
Summary
Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WRMSs) are a major public health issue [1].This issue has been shown as one of the leading reasons for nursing personnel to quit their job [2,3].In nursing homes, this issue affects workers’ health ( nursing assistants (NAs), direct care providers), and their clients’ quality of care [2]. Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WRMSs) are a major public health issue [1]. This issue has been shown as one of the leading reasons for nursing personnel to quit their job [2,3]. A workstyle is how a worker responds to hectic work demands behaviorally, cognitively and physiologically [5]. The cognitive component is responsible for increased fear of losing a job, or fear of poor performance. The physiological component is concerned with increased levels of fatigue, pain or functional limitations of various body parts [8,9]. Excessive work demands raise levels of ergonomic and psychological risk factors and trigger adverse workstyles [5]. Workers with adverse workstyles may have tendencies to continue working despite pain, work with insufficient rest breaks, have
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
