Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire Research Articles

Prevalence and associated risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among road construction workers in a Nigerian community

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) represent a significant occupational problem among road construction workers. This study conducted a prevalence and symptom survey of WRMDs among road construction workers in a Nigerian community and its relationship with risk factors over a twelve month period. The study involved 100 consecutively sampled respondents from construction workers in a Nigerian community. The short version of the Dutch Musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, 12 months' prevalence, risk factor and health seeking behavior of respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while spearman rank correlation was used to test correlation at 0.05 α level. A high WRMDs prevalence of 66% rate was reported, with low back (55%) being the most frequently reported body part for symptoms, followed by neck at 45%, while the least prevalent was the left hip/thigh (8%). Significant correlations existed between WRMDs and BMI (p = 0.003), work hours per week (p = 0.018), work exertion (p = 0.004), risk factors (p = 0.001). Logistics regression analysis showed that work organizational factors were significant predictors of WRMDs report of symptoms. Meanwhile, self-medication was the major means adopted by the respondents to alleviate musculoskeletal pain. It is recommended that preventive strategies be adopted to minimize occurrence of WRMDs among these workers in Nigeria.

The Prevalence of and Risk Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders among Sonographers in Central China: A Cross-Sectional Study

ObjectiveStudies from industrialized countries show that musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) occur commonly in sonographers. However, little is known about sonographers in China, where the awareness of ergonomics and MSD, workload, and available equipment/facilities may differ. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of MSD and associated risk factors in sonographers in central China.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted with 381 sonographers from 14 randomly selected tertiary hospitals in Hubei province, central China. Musculoskeletal symptoms (using the Nordic Questionnaire) and risk factors (mostly derived from the Health Benefit Trust survey instrument and the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire) were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression was used to quantify associations between risk factors and MSD.ResultsThe 12-month period prevalence of MSD was 98.3%, being highest in the neck (93.5%) and shoulder (92.2%), followed by the lower back (83.2%), wrist/hand, upper back, and elbow. Factors contributing to neck pain were psychological fatigue, shoulder abduction and trunk bend-and-twist posture. Height-adjustable tables and chairs were protective factors. Shoulder pain was associated with female sex, health status, mental stress, shoulder abduction, and trunk bend-and-twist posture. Height-adjustable chairs and the awareness of adjusting the workstation before scanning were protective factors. Elbow pain was associated with health status and height-adjustable tables. Wrist/hand pain was associated with female sex, bending the wrist, and working with obese patients. Upper back pain was associated with shoulder abduction, height-adjustable chairs, and device location. Lower back pain was associated with the number of scans performed per day, awkward postures, bending the trunk, twisting or bending the neck forward, and using a footrest.ConclusionsThis study suggests a high prevalence of MSD in sonographers in central China. Hence, it is necessary to improve the awareness of MSD by training, and the ergonomics of their current work environment by addressing physical workload, and psychological and equipment/facility-related factors.

The Musician as (In)Active Athlete?: Exploring the Association Between Physical Activity and Musculoskeletal Complaints in Music Students.

Musicians are often compared to athletes because of the physical exertion required to play music. The aim of this study was to explore the physical activity level of music students and to study its relationship with musculoskeletal complaints. A second goal was to assess associations between physical activity and pain, quality of life, and disability. This cross-sectional study among third- and fourth-year music students used an electronic survey including measures for physical activity (SQUASH-Short Questionnaire to Assess Health-enhancing physical activity), musculoskeletal complaints (DMQ-Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire), disability (DASH-Disability Arm, Shoulder, Hand questionnaire) and quality of life (Short Form-12). Students were classified as compliers or non-compliers with moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity recommendations. Statistical analysis was done using (non)parametric tests (t-test, Pearson chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-test) and correlational testing. Participants were 132 students, 63.6% female, with a median age of 23 yrs (range 21.3-25.0). 67% reported musculoskeletal complaints in the past 7 days. Their median physical activity level was 6,390 MET-min/wk, and 62% and 10% of the students accomplished recommendations for moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity physical activity levels, respectively. No significant differences were found in prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints between students who met moderate- or vigorous-intensity physical activity recommendations and students who did not. Physical activity level was not associated with musculoskeletal complaints (r=0.12, p=0.26). Higher pain intensity was associated with a lower quality of life (r=-0.53 p<0.01) and higher disability (r=0.43, p<0.01). Music students are mainly involved in light- to moderate-intensity physical activities and rarely in vigorous-intensity activities. No correlation was found between physical activity level in the past months and musculoskeletal complaints in music students.

Preliminary study of the patterns and physical risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among academicians in a higher learning institute

BackgroundResearch has been conducted on the prevalence and physical risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among occupations such as agriculture workers, office workers, school teachers, and health care professionals. However, a paucity of research exists on the patterns and physical risk factors of WMSDs among the academicians in a higher learning institution.This study was conducted to determine the patterns and physical risk factors of WMSDs among the academicians. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 228 subjects with a mean age of participants of 32.3 ± 7.8 for a period of 1 year from December 2011 until December 2012. An extended neordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ-E) was used to assess the patterns of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The short version of the Dutch musculoskeletal questionnaire (DMQ) was used to determinethe physical risk factors of WMSDs among the academicians.Descriptive statistics and Pearson Chi square test were used for data analysis. ResultsThe 1-year pattern of WMSDs among the academicians were neck pain (44.7 %), followed by shoulder pain (40.4 %), upper and lower back pain (33.3 %), and the least common region was elbow pain (3.5 %). Among 20 common physical activities in DMQ, 15 physical activities performed by the academicians in their workplace were considered as a physical risk factors for neck, shoulder, and back pain at p < 0.05. ConclusionThe preliminary study demonstrated that neck pain, shoulder pain, and back pain were the most common WMSDs among the academicians in a higher learning institution

Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and associated factors: A cross-sectional study of metal workers in Bangladesh.

There is a scarcity of evidence regarding musculoskeletal symptoms prevalence among metal workers at different worksites in Bangladesh. To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and associated factors among metal workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was performed in 5 out of 12 randomly selected metal tools manufacturing factories in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 60 eligible participants (45 male and 15 female) were asked to complete the short Bengali version of the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. In addition, observations within the workplace were performed using a predesigned checklist for identifying ergonomic risk factors. Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms during the last 12 months preceding data collection was reportedly 85%. Body regions reported to be most affected were upper back and lower back, then the wrist. Socio-demographic factors were not found to be significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms. In contrast, awkward posture and repetitive movement were significantly related to reports of musculoskeletal symptoms for the last 12 months preceding data collection. Results conclude that there is a high reported prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among metal workers, calling for an action on prevention and promotion in the work environment.

Evaluation of Prevalence of Low Back Pain Among Residents of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Relation with Their Position in Work

SUMMARYObjectivesLower back pain is one of the most common complaints among the general population and among health professionals. Multiple workplace-related risk factors may contribute to back pain among physicians. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of lower back pain among medical residents of different medical specialties and to evaluate the relevant risk factors.MethodsA Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (DMQ) was completed by 125 medical residents. Part I concerned general demographic information, part II evaluated workplace-specific factors, and part III assessed the individual characteristics of lower back pain.ResultsThe overall prevalence of lower back pain among residents was 56.8%, with 45.1% of men and 76.5% of women reporting lower back pain. A total of 94.4% of affected individuals believed that their lower back pain was related to their current job, and 72.6% claimed that the onset of lower back pain occurred after beginning medical work. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between lower back pain and certain risk factors, such as working in the same position for long periods, repetitive movement (bending, twisting) of the lumbar region, working in uncomfortable postures, stress, walking, and standing for long periods. However, no significant relationship was found between lower back pain and heavy lifting, smoking, or prolonged sitting. The role of exercise as a protective factor in reducing the incidence of lower back pain was supported by the statistical analysis.ConclusionsThe prevalence of lower back pain among residents is high and is associated with a number of workplace-related risk factors.

Structural equation model analysis of risk factors for low back pain among greenhouse vegetable-planting farmers

To explore the risk factors of low back pain (LBP) among greenhouse vegetable planting farmers and estimate the level of the effects. A self-made questionnaire based on the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Nordic Questionnaire was conducted to 639 greenhouse vegetable planting farmers and then structural equation model was used to analyze the risk factors of LBP in SmartPLS software. The coefficient of determination of the model was 0.827, and the structural coefficients of dynamic loads, static loads, force exertion, ergonomic environment and repetitive loads on LBP were 0.21, 0.43,0.27, 0.045 and 0.034 respectively, and the total effects of the above latent variables on LBP were 0.21, 0.43,0.27, 0.33 and 0.034 respectively. The main risk factors of LBP among greenhouse vegetable planting farmers were static loads, ergonomic environment, force exertion and dynamic loads.

Work Related Neck Pain and Its Associated Factors among Registered Female Nurses Who Are Computer Users in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre

Work related neck pain is common problem in nurses, especially among those who are intensive computer users. It is generally agreed that the its etiology is multidimensional which is associated with, and influenced by a complex array of socio-demographic, work related, lifestyle, ergonomic and psychosocial factors. Across sectional study was conducted to in August-October 2012 in University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Malaysia to estimate the 1 month and 12 months prevalence rates of neck pain among registered female nurses and to determine which socio-demographic, work related, lifestyle, ergonomic and psychosocial factors are associated with 12 months prevalence rate. A total of 250 respondents have been selected by using stratified sampling method. Data was collected via self-reporting modified Dutch musculoskeletal questionnaire. The response rate was (96.8%) and data was analyzed by using SPSS version 19. Age of respondents was around 18 to 52 years old with the mean age of 32.31±9.27 years. The point and 12 month period prevalence rates of neck pain in registered female nurses were (36%) and (45.5%) respectively. Majority of respondents were Malay (97.9%), married (72.3%), not doing physical exercise (69%), having highest education, Diploma in Nursing (88.8%) and working in night shifts (76.9%). Generally, the respondents were reported that their neck pain was associated with working hours on computer for more than 4 hours (56.7%); neck bending (56.4%) and Personnel shortage (53.2%). In bivariate; Chi square analysis, the result of present study indicated that there were seven factors significantly associated with neck pain i.e. age, BMI, physical exercises, night shifts, neck bending, prolonged working hours on computer and personnel shortage. Further analysis, by using multiple logistic regression showed that age groups 30-39 (p= 0.011, 95% CI 1.233- 5.5044) and 40-49 (p= 0.040, 95% CI 1.041- 5.311), physical exercises (p= 0.025, 95% CI 1.106- 4.384), working time on computer (p= 0.029, 95% CI 1.075-3.725), night shifts (p= 0.001, 95% CI 0.938-3.144), personnel shortage (p= 0.005, 95% CI 1.334-4.908) and neck bending (p= 0.013, 95% CI 1.192-4.299) were significant predictors to work related neck pain.The results of present study indicated that socio-demographic, lifestyle, ergonomic factors and some of psychosocial variables were associated with neck pain. These association patterns suggest also opportunities for intervention strategies in order to stimulate an ergonomic work place setting to improve physical exercises awareness and to increase a positive psychosocial work environment.

Physically demanding work, fetal growth and the risk of adverse birth outcomes. The Generation R Study

ObjectivesWork-related risk factors, such as long work hours, and physically demanding work have been suggested to adversely influence pregnancy outcome. The authors aimed to examine associations between various aspects of...

Work-Related Maternal Risk Factors and the Risk of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension and Preeclampsia during Pregnancy. The Generation R Study

ObjectiveTo study the associations between physically demanding work and occupational exposure to chemicals and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy within a large birth cohort study, the Generation R Study.MethodsAssociations between occupational characteristics and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy were studied in 4465 pregnant woman participating in a population-based prospective cohort study from early pregnancy onwards in the Netherlands (2002–2006). Mothers who filled out a questionnaire during mid-pregnancy (response 77% of enrolment), were included if they conducted paid employment, had a spontaneously conceived singleton live born pregnancy, and did not suffer from pre-existing hypertension (n = 4465). Questions on physical demanding work were obtained from the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and concerned questions on manually handling loads of 25 kg or more, long periods of standing or walking, night shifts, and working hours. To assess occupational exposure to chemicals, job titles and task descriptions were linked to a job-exposure-matrix (JEM), an expert judgment on exposure to chemicals at the workplace. Information on hypertensive disorders during pregnancy was obtained from medical records.ResultsWe observed no consistent associations between any of the work related risk factors, such as long periods of standing or walking, heavy lifting, night shifts, and working hours, nor exposure to chemicals with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.ConclusionThis prospective birth cohort study suggests that there is no association of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy with physically demanding work or exposure to chemicals. However, the low prevalence of PIH and PE, combined with the low prevalence of occupational risk factors limit the power for inference and larger studies are needed to corroborate or refute these findings.

Participatory ergonomics to reduce exposure to psychosocial and physical risk factors for low back pain and neck pain: results of a cluster randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesThis study investigated the effectiveness of the Stay@Work participatory ergonomics programme to reduce workers′ exposure to psychosocial and physical risk factors.Methods37 departments (n=3047 workers) from four Dutch companies participated in...

Validity of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles for Assessing Upper Extremity Work Demands

ObjectivesThe Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) is used in vocational rehabilitation to guide decisions about the ability of a person with activity limitations to perform activities at work. The DOT has categorized physical work demands in five categories. The validity of this categorization is unknown. Aim of this study was to investigate whether the DOT could be used validly to guide decisions for patients with injuries to the upper extremities. Four hypotheses were tested.MethodsA database including 701 healthy workers was used. All subjects filled out the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, from which an Upper Extremity Work Demands score (UEWD) was derived. First, relation between the DOT-categories and UEWD-score was analysed using Spearman correlations. Second, variance of the UEWD-score in occupational groups was tested by visually inspecting boxplots and assessing kurtosis of the distribution. Third, it was investigated whether occupations classified in one DOT-category, could significantly differ on UEWD-scores. Fourth, it was investigated whether occupations in different DOT-categories could have similar UEWD-scores using Mann Whitney U-tests (MWU).ResultsRelation between the DOT-categories and the UEWD-score was weak (rsp = 0.40; p<.01). Overlap between categories was found. Kurtosis exceeded ±1.0 in 3 occupational groups, indicating large variance. UEWD-scores were significantly different within one DOT-category (MWU = 1.500; p<.001). UEWD scores between DOT-categories were not significantly different (MWU = 203.000; p = .49).ConclusionAll four hypotheses could not be rejected. The DOT appears to be invalid for assessing upper extremity work demands.

Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire: description and basic qualities

A questionnaire (‘Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire’, DMQ) for the analysis of musculoskeletal workload and associated potential hazardous working conditions as well as musculoskeletal symptoms in worker populations is described and its qualities are explored using a database of 1575 workers in various occupations who completed the questionnaire. The 63 questions on musculoskeletal workload and associated potentially hazardous working conditions can be categorized into seven indices (force, dynamic and static load, repetitive load, climatic factors, vibration and ergonomic environmental factors). Together with four separate questions on standing, sitting, walking and uncomfortable postures, the indices constitute a brief overview of the main findings on musculoskeletal workload and associated potentially hazardous working conditions. Homogeneity of the indices is satisfactory. The divergent validity of the indices is fair when compared with an index of psychosocial working conditions and discomfort during exposure to physical loads. Worker groups with contrasting musculoskeletal loads can be differentiated on the basis of the indices and other factors. With respect to the concurrent validity, it appears that most indices and factors show significant associations with low back and/or neck shoulder symptoms. This questionnaire can be used as a simple and quick inventory for occupational health services to identify worker groups in which a more thorough ergonomic analysis is indicated.