Abstract
This study aimed to investigate level of work ability and quality of life (QOL) as well as the relationship between them among patients suffering from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in Taiwan. A cross-sectional study design with continuous sampling and a questionnaire were used to obtain the research data. Controlling for personal characteristics, pain, psychological distress, and social support, multiple linear regressions were adopted to explore the relationship between work ability and overall QOL. Further analyses were also made to clarify the relationships between work ability and each domain of QOL. In total, 165 patients with WMSDs were recruited. Compared with general workers, the participants reported a lower level of work ability and overall QOL. Work ability was significantly associated with overall QOL when covariates were controlled. Among the four domains of QOL, work ability was significantly associated with both the physical and psychological domains. The conclusion was that work ability is a definite factor of QOL for patients with WMSDs; the essence of work ability may be beyond economic function or social support. Strategies to help workers with WMSDs enhance their work ability to fit their new or temporary jobs would be beneficial to their QOL.
Highlights
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) comprise a group of painful disorders of the muscles, tendons, and nerves related to work activities and conditions
180 patients were diagnosed with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) by occupational physicians during the study period
Compared to the general population or general workers in Taiwan, the participants in the present study reported a lower score in overall quality of life (QOL), in the physical domain and the psychological domain
Summary
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) comprise a group of painful disorders of the muscles, tendons, and nerves related to work activities and conditions. These work activities and conditions can significantly contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders, and/or can cause musculoskeletal disorders to worsen or persist for longer [1]. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 3310; doi:10.3390/ijerph17093310 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
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