Work Limitations Questionnaire Research Articles

Test-Retest Reliability, Clinical Usefulness, and Telephone Application of the Work Limitation Questionnaire in Individuals Who Returned to Work After Stroke.

To measure the test-retest reliability and the clinical usefulness of the Work Limitation Questionnaire, and to compare the in-person with the telephone application. Cross-sectional, exploratory study. The Work Limitation Questionnaire was answered three times: twice in person, to measure test-retest reliability and clinical usefulness, and once, by telephone, to measure the validity of the telephone application. Fifty-six individuals (32 men) with mild to moderate disabilities after stroke were included. Test-retest reliability was very high (ICC 0.96; 95% CI 0.94 to 0.98; p < 0.01), the clinical usefulness was high (9 out of 12 points), and the correlation between in-person and telephone applications was high (ρ = 0.7; 95% CI 0.5 to 0.9; p < 0.01). The average productivity loss was 4% (SD 5, min-max 0 to 15%). The Work Limitation Questionnaire showed adequate test-retest reliability and clinical usefulness in individuals with stroke. The telephone application produced comparable results to in-person applications. The participants reported low productivity loss, which may be related to the mild impairments of the included sample.

Visceral Fat-Reducing Effect of Novel Dietary Intervention Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Japanese Males.

Background/Objectives: Reducing visceral fat is a critical factor in preventing obesity-related health complications. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of our previously reported novel dietary intervention program, "Optimized Nutri-Dense Meals", designed according to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) in Japan in reducing visceral fat. Method: This open-label, randomized controlled trial included 100 Japanese males with obesity or overweight. In total, 50 participants were assigned to a control group that continued their usual diets, and the other 50 consumed test meals twice per week for four weeks (test group). Result: The primary outcome, visceral fat area, significantly decreased in the test group compared to that in the control group (-7.5 cm2, confidence interval [CI]: -14.3 to -0.6). In addition, we measured the changes in gut flora and work productivity. The abundance of Bifidobacterium (+1.5%, CI: 0.3-2.7) and Christensenellaceae (+0.4%, CI: 0.01-0.8) increased significantly in the test group compared with those in the control group. Work Limitation Questionnaire Japanese version scores representing presenteeism also significantly increased in the test group (+1.2 points, CI: 0.2-2.3) compared with the control group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that dietary interventions based on Japanese DRIs can effectively decrease visceral fat and improve health outcomes over the short term without the need for a complete dietary overhaul.

Visually assessing work performance using a smartwatch via day-to-day fluctuations in heart rate variability.

To optimize workplace health promotion, a simple method for quantifying allostatic load response is needed. This study examines the feasibility of optimizing objective anxiety and presenteeism monitoring using daily smartwatch-measured ultra-short heart rate variability (HRV). Office workers without diagnosed disease prospectively performed 30 s HRV self-measurement each morning for two months and responded to the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Work Limitation Questionnaire (WLQ). Logistic regression analysis examined daily HRV parameters in the high-trait anxiety group (HTA, STAI ≥ 40) using mean and variance HRV, age, self-reported gender, and body mass index (BMI). The ideal cutoff value enabled comparison of WLQ using the Mann-Whitney U test. Heart rate variability data were collected for 279 participants (male ratio, 83.9%; age, 42 ± 10 years) who completed questionnaires and monitored HRV for 30+ days. Compared to the low-trait anxiety group, HTA exhibited higher variance of the log-transformed coefficient of component variance of high-frequency component (LnccvHF) and low-frequency per HF (Lnccv L/H), in addition to differences in the means of these HRV parameters. In addition to BMI (odds ratio [OR] = 0.92, p = 0.02) and mean LnccvL/H (OR = 10.75, p < 0.01), the variance of Lnccv L/H was an independent predictor of HTA (OR = 2.39E + 8, p = 0.011). The daily Lnccv L/H dispersion group had a lower WLQ productivity loss score (p = 0.02, r = 0.17). By focusing on HRV dispersion status, this simple and instantly applicable daily HRV monitoring system enables optimized quantitative monitoring of anxiety and productivity.

Proposed Strategies for Improving Productivity in the Wagon Painting Process Considering the Worker's Health Level

Productivity can be expressed as the quantitative relationship between the output generated and the input utilized. The evidence of high worker productivity signifies the workforce's capacity to meet the company's production targets effectively and efficiently. As one of the inputs in the production process, the workers must have proper physical, mental, and social health conditions to carry out their work activities well. A developing train manufacturing company in East Java has several stages of the production process, one of which is the painting process. Chemicals are supposed to be a potential hazard in the painting process, which can harm workers' health, primarily if the work is carried out over a long time. Health issues resulting from exposure to spray paint and the failure to meet production targets indicate the need for in-depth investigation. Therefore, this research aims to determine the effect of health on worker productivity and design strategies for improving worker's productivity. The methods employed are the Work Limitation Questionnaire (WLQ) and Time and Motion Study. The findings indicate that there is a partial relationship between time management and productivity. It is critical to put out recommendations aimed at minimizing the duration of paint exposure experienced by workers. The proposed strategies demonstrate the capability to decrease the standard time required for the flat-top wagon painting process by 1.11 hours (41.11%). This improvement is achieved by reducing the number of work motions from 20 to 14, and finally, productivity is improved by 3.6.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY CULTURE AND LOW BACK PAIN, NECK PAIN AND WORK LIMITATIONS IN HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Purpose: This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between occupational health and safety culture, low back pain, neck pain and work limitations in healthcare professionals. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 145 healthcare professionals working at Muş State Hospital between March 2022 and June 2022. The data was collected through Personal Information Form, Occupational Safety Culture Scale, Functional Low Back Pain Scale, Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire, and Work Limitations Questionnaire. Results: While a statistically positive correlation was found between the occupational safety culture scores of health workers and functional activities due to the reduction low back pain, a statistically negative correlation was determined between the occupational safety culture scores and neck pain and work limitation (p

Psychometric properties of the Korean version of the Stanford Presenteeism Scale in a nurse population.

Presenteeism, which refers to going to work despite being ill, has been associated with loss of work productivity, decreased quality of care, and an increased risk of health problems. The prevalence of presenteeism is particularly high among nurses; therefore, a reliable and valid tool is needed to assess presenteeism. This study aimed to translate the Stanford Presenteeism Scale (SPS) and to examine its psychometric properties in a Korean nurse population. A methodological study was performed in January 2023. The original SPS-6 (English-language) was translated and adapted to the Korean language using a committee approach translation, cognitive interviews, and content validation with a review panel of experts. An online survey was completed by 608 Korean nurses. The internal consistency, item-to-total correlation, construct validity, concurrent validity, and discriminant validity were examined as psychometric properties of the Korean version of the SPS. The final version of the K-SPS consists of four items shortened from the original six items. Cronbach's alpha of the K-SPS-4 was 0.74, indicating adequate reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a one-factor solution with a good fit. There was a positive correlation between the K-SPS-4 and the Work Limitations Questionnaire. Discriminant validity was evidenced by the positive correlation of the K-SPS-4 with job satisfaction and the negative correlation with job stress. The K-SPS-4 has acceptable psychometric properties, supporting the feasibility of its use in assessing the level of presenteeism among Korean nurses. The validated K-SPS-4 can provide a basis for developing intervention programs to enhance productivity and promote health among nurses in clinical settings.

Trait anxiety and depressive rumination mediate the effect of perceived childhood rearing on adulthood presenteeism.

Productivity loss in the workplace due to physical or mental health problems, which is called presenteeism, leads to large financial losses. Personal and work environment factors, as well as physical and mental illnesses are associated with presenteeism, but the detailed underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the effects of perceived childhood rearing on the presenteeism of adult workers, and the mediating effects of trait anxiety and depressive rumination. In 2017 and 2018, a cross-sectional paper-based survey was conducted, and written consent from 447 adult workers was obtained. Demographic information and results from the Parental Bonding Instrument, trait anxiety of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y, Ruminative Responses Scale, and Work Limitations Questionnaire were surveyed. Multiple regression analyses and structural equation modeling were conducted. The low perceived quality of rearing from parents in childhood, i.e., low care and high overprotection, indirectly worsened current presenteeism via trait anxiety and depressive rumination. Presenteeism was directly worsened by trait anxiety and depressive rumination, and the low perceived quality of rearing from parents directly affected trait anxiety and depressive rumination, and trait anxiety affected depressive rumination. The results of this study clarified the long-term influences of the low perceived quality of rearing experienced in childhood on adulthood presenteeism via trait anxiety and depressive rumination. Therefore, assessing the quality of childhood rearing, trait anxiety, and depressive rumination of individuals may help to elucidate the causes of presenteeism in the workplace, and how to manage it effectively.

The effect of the hospital working environment on the work limitation of the employees in Turkey: a multivariable analysis

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to examine the effects of working environment and demographic variables on the level of work limitation in a university hospital.MethodsThe study is cross-sectional and was conducted in 2022 among employees of a university hospital. 254 people voluntarily participated in the study. Data were collected by applying the sociodemographic data form, the Work Limitation Questionnaire (WLQ), and the Work Environment Scale (WES). Institutional permission and ethical approval were obtained for the study. In the analysis of the data, t-test, ANOVA, and linear regression (LR) were used.ResultsThe WLQ score average of hospital staff was low. According to LR analysis, the factors affecting the level of work limitation of hospital staff; worsening perception of health status, being a doctor, decreased income level, increased working time in the institution, and age reduction. It was determined that 32.8% of the change in the WLQ score was related to these factors. While in the univariate tests, the mean of work limitation was found to be significant by getting occupational health safety training, having health problems due to the work done, and taking leave due to work accidents, in the multivariable LR analysis, these factors were insignificant.ConclusionsAs the working environment gets worse, the level of work limitation increases. It is recommended that hospital managers make the working environment better and safer, and make arrangements and programs to increase personnel satisfaction.

Productivity Loss and Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Brazilian Presenteeism: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The work has been brought to nursing professionals, denoting an increase in illness and consequent decrease in productivity. Objective: This study aims to verify the relationship between productivity and the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms in presenteeism. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and analytical study conducted with 305 Nursing workers from an emergency hospital in the Brazilian Midwest region. For data collection, four self-applied instruments were used, namely: the Sociodemographic Work and Health Conditions Questionnaire (QSCTS), the Stanford Presenteeism Scale (SPS-6), the Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ), and the Brazilian version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Nordic Musculoskeletal Symptom Questionnaire (QNSO). The “presenteeism” and “presenteeism degree” dependent variables were related to the independent variables using the logistic regression model. Results: Presenteeism was identified in 134 (43.8%) workers. Overall productivity loss was 8.8%. Regarding the relationship between presenteeism and the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms, workers with problems in the upper back, knees, and neck in the last year were 6.5, 2.7, and 2.2 more likely to be presenteeism, respectively. Conclusion: The study confirmed the relationship between greater productivity losses and the incidence of musculoskeletal symptoms with presenteeism events in the Nursing team.

Impact of hearing impairment and cochlear implantation on productivity and social well-being in a professionally active but severely hearing-impaired group: protocol of the ‘Hear again, work again’ longitudinal prospective cohort study

IntroductionSevere hearing loss is a sensory deficit with considerable impact on the patient’s daily life and on society. Previous research has established occupational obstacles in professionally active patients with hearing...

Subjective Cognition is Related to Patient-Reported Symptom Distress and Work Productivity Among Liver Transplant Recipients.

Cognitive decline may prevent liver transplant (LT) recipients from staying healthy and independent. This study examined associations of objective and subjective, rated by LT recipients and caregivers, cognitive decline with patient-reported physical and psychological symptom distress, ability to perform household tasks, and workplace productivity among LT recipients. Sixty pairs of LT recipients and caregivers participated in this cross-sectional study. Subjective cognition was measured by the Everyday Cognition. Objective cognition was assessed with four cognitive tests, including the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed with the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist-Modified, Profile of Mood States-Short Form, Creative Therapy Consultants Homemaking Assessment, and Work Limitations Questionnaire. Linear regression analyses related objective and subjective cognition to the patient-reported outcomes. While objective cognitive decline was not associated with any patient-reported outcomes, subjective cognitive decline was significantly associated with the outcomes. Higher LT recipient self-rated cognitive decline was associated with higher physical symptom distress ( = 0.30, p = 0.006) and workplace productivity loss ( = 14.85, p < 0.0001). Higher caregiver-rated cognitive decline was associated with lower household tasks performance ( = -18.55, p = 0.015). Findings suggest to consider subjective cognition when developing an individualized post-transplant care plan.

Working situation and burden of work limitations in sarcoma patients: results from the multi-center prospective PROSa study

PurposeWe investigated predictors of limitations in work performance, odds of drop out of work, and odds of receiving disability pension in sarcoma patients.MethodsWe measured clinical and sociodemographic data in adult sarcoma patients and recorded if the patients received a (1) disability pension at baseline or (2) had dropped out of work 1 year after initial assessment. (3) Work limitations were assessed using the Work-limitations questionnaire (WLQ©). We analyzed exploratively.Results(1) Amongst 364 analyzed patients, odds to receive a disability pension were higher in patients with abdominal tumors, older patients, high grade patients and with increasing time since diagnosis. (2) Of 356 patients employed at baseline, 21% (n = 76) had dropped out of work after 1 year. The odds of dropping out of work were higher in bone sarcoma patients and in patients who received additive radiotherapy ± systemic therapy compared with patients who received surgery alone. Odds of dropping out of work were less amongst self-employed patients and dropped with increasing time since diagnosis. (3) Work limitations were higher in woman and increased with age. Patients with bone and fibrous sarcomas were more affected than liposarcoma patients. Patients with abdominal tumors reported highest restrictions. Sarcoma treatment in the last 6 months increased work limitations.ConclusionWork limitations, drop out of work and dependence on a disability pension occurs frequently in patients with sarcoma adding to the burden of this condition. We were able to identify vulnerable groups in both the socioeconomic and disease categories.

Common mental disorders, productivity and presenteeism in nursing workers.

To investigate the association between the occurrence of common mental disorders with loss of productivity and presenteeism in nursing workers at a public health service. This is a cross-sectional study, with 291 workers from Midwestern Brazil. Data collection carried out from October 2019 to January 2020, with instruments for sociodemographic characterization, labor and health conditions: Self Reporting Questionnaire-20, Standford Presenteeism Scale and Work Limitations Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with Mann-Whitney tests and logistic regression, respecting a significance level of 5%. The occurrence of common mental disorders was 4.27 times more likely to experience presenteeism, 10.17% of compromised overall productivity, and impairment of mental/interpersonal and production demands. The occurrence of common mental disorders was associated with presenteeism, with repercussions in loss of productivity of nursing workers.

Complex effects of childhood abuse, subjective social status, and trait anxiety on presenteeism in adult volunteers from the community.

Presenteeism, which is reduced productivity levels owing to physical or mental problems, causes substantial economic loss. It is known to be associated with personal and working environment factors, but the mechanism has not been fully clarified to date. Therefore, we analyzed the effects of childhood abuse on presenteeism of general adult workers, and the mediating effects of subjective social status and trait anxiety. From 2017 to 2018, a cross-sectional survey was performed, and 469 adult workers provided written consent. Demographic information, and results from the Child Abuse and Trauma Scale, Subjective Social Status, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory form Y, and Work Limitations Questionnaire were investigated. Multiple linear regression and path analyzes were performed. Childhood abuse indirectly affected current presenteeism via subjective social status and trait anxiety. Presenteeism was directly affected only by trait anxiety, childhood abuse directly affected subjective social status and trait anxiety, and subjective social status affected trait anxiety. This study clarified the long-term effects of childhood abuse on presenteeism in adulthood via trait anxiety. Therefore, assessing childhood abuse, subjective social status, and trait anxiety may help to elucidate the mechanism of workplace presenteeism and develop measures against it.

Association of low back pain and sleep quality with presenteeism.

Low back pain (LBP) and poor subjective sleep quality (SSQ) are major risk factors for presenteeism. However, no studies have investigated whether combined LBP and poor SSQ are associated with presenteeism. We aimed to examine whether a combination of LBP and poor SSQ is associated with presenteeism. This cross-sectional study included 936 workers (median age, 38 years; men, 89%), with evaluated presenteeism using the work limitations questionnaire. We divided them into 'no presenteeism' and 'presenteeism' categories. The presence of LBP was defined as a numerical rating scale (NRS) score of ≥1 in current pain intensity. SSQ was assessed using a single question regarding whether the participants typically got enough sleep. We categorized the participants into four groups: (i) LBP + poor SSQ, (ii) non-LBP + poor SSQ, (iii) LBP + good SSQ and (iv) non-LBP + good SSQ. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between presenteeism and the presence of LBP and poor SSQ, adjusting for age, sex, work type, education, marital status, smoking status, body mass index and weekly working hours. The data from 533 participants were used for analysis (median age, 38 years; men, 90%, response rate, 66%). Combined LBP and poor SSQ were significantly associated with presenteeism (non-LBP + poor SSQ: adjusted odds ratio = 0.56, 95% CI 0.32-0.96; LBP + good SSQ: 0.33, 0.20-0.56; non-LBP + good SSQ: 0.29, 0.18-0.48). Evaluating both LBP and SSQ may be beneficial in considering presenteeism.

Occupational stress is associated with job performance among pregnant women in Japan: comparison with similar age group of women

BackgroundPregnancy results in physical and psychological changes in women; however, pregnant women hesitate to take a break from work even when they feel the need. Since working while physically ill leads to decreased job performance, it is important to determine the factors that lead to this phenomenon.AimTo study the occupational stress associated with job performance and absenteeism of pregnant women compared with non-pregnant women.MethodsIn 2019, non-pregnant and pregnant employed women in their 20–40 s in Japan completed an online survey examining job performance (Work Limitation Questionnaire - Short Form), absenteeism, occupational stress (Brief Job Stress Questionnaire), and working situations.ResultsOf 918 respondents who met the inclusion criteria, 904 were included in the final analysis (454 non-pregnant and 450 pregnant women). Logistic regression analyses showed that absenteeism was significantly higher for pregnant women. However, for women who were absent, there was no significant difference between non-pregnant and pregnant women. After adjusting for attributes and working conditions, pregnant women had significantly higher (p < .001) work productivity losses than non-pregnant women, but only in the physical tasks domain; their physical stress response was also higher compared to non-pregnant women (p = .048). However, pregnant women reported significantly less interpersonal conflict stress (p < .001) and psychological stress (p = .026), as well as better workplace support as a buffering factor for stress (p = .021), than non-pregnant women.ConclusionClarifying the physical burden associated with pregnancy and assisting women in coordinating their work duties while considering the physical demands of pregnancy may minimize work productivity losses among pregnant women.

Direct and indirect health-related costs of systemic sclerosis in New Zealand.

To study the economic impact of systemic sclerosis (SSc) in the patients attending Rheumatology clinics in Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand (NZ). There is currently no bottom-up data on this in NZ. This is a retrospective cross-sectional questionnaire-based study, including demographics, costs related to SSc, quality of life measures including the short-form survey (SF-36) the scleroderma health assessment questionnaire-visual analog scale (SHAQ-VAS), the NZ index of Deprivation (NZiDep), and work limitations questionnaire (WLQ). Direct health costs include patient-reported costs and costs incurred by the public health system. Indirect costs include calculated loss of work productivity. Comparisons were made between age, gender, disease duration, and disease subtype (diffuse, limited, and overlap syndromes). Participants fulfilled the 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria for SSc. The study was completed by 86 (65.5%) patients, 77 (90%) were females, 19 (22%) had diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc), 72 (83%) were NZ European (NZE), seven(8%) were Māori or NZE/Māori. Seventy-six (41.8%) were employed. The average total costs for 6months were NZ$444.50 with the highest costs in the dcSSc sub-group at NZ$598.00. The costs incurred by the Hospital for the 2018/2019 fiscal year was NZ$3091 per patient. The SF-36 score was lower compared with the general population, mean SHAQ was 0.82. Mean summative WLQ scores were: Time management 21.7, Physical demands 62.5, Interpersonal 23.6, Output demands 23.8. The calculated percentage productivity loss was 46.5%. This study has shown high health-related costs of SSc in NZ, with reduction in employment, work productivity, and quality of life. The contributors to the costs included physical disability and loss of productivity.

Effectiveness of a healthcare-based mobile intervention on sedentary patterns, physical activity, mental well-being and clinical and productivity outcomes in office employees with type 2 diabetes: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundProlonged sedentary time is associated with an increased incidence of chronic disease including type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Given that occupational sedentary time contributes significantly to the total amount of daily sedentariness, incorporating programmes to reduce occupational sedentary time in patients with chronic disease would allow for physical, mental and productivity benefits. The aim of this study is to evaluate the short-, medium- and long-term effectiveness of a mHealth programme for sitting less and moving more at work on habitual and occupational sedentary behaviour and physical activity in office staff with DM2. Secondary aims. To evaluate the effectiveness on glycaemic control and lipid profile at 6- and 12-month follow-up; anthropometric profile, blood pressure, mental well-being and work-related post-intervention outcomes at 3, 6 and 12 months.MethodsMulticentre randomized controlled trial. A sample size of 220 patients will be randomly allocated into a control (n = 110) or intervention group (n = 110), with post-intervention follow-ups at 6 and 12 months. Health professionals from Spanish Primary Health Care units will randomly invite patients (18–65 years of age) diagnosed with DM2, who have sedentary office desk-based jobs. The control group will receive usual healthcare and information on the health benefits of sitting less and moving more. The intervention group will receive, through a smartphone app and website, strategies and real-time feedback for 13 weeks to change occupational sedentary behaviour. Variables: (1) Subjective and objective habitual and occupational sedentary behaviour and physical activity (Workforce Sitting Questionnaire, Brief Physical Activity Assessment Tool, activPAL3TM); 2) Glucose, HbA1c; 3) Weight, height, waist circumference; 4) Total, HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides; (5) Systolic, diastolic blood pressure; (6) Mental well-being (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being); (7) Presenteeism (Work Limitations Questionnaire); (8) Impact of work on employees´ health, sickness absence (6th European Working Conditions Survey); (9) Job-related mental strain (Job Content Questionnaire). Differences between groups pre- and post- intervention on the average value of the variables will be analysed.DiscussionIf the mHealth intervention is effective in reducing sedentary time and increasing physical activity in office employees with DM2, health professionals would have a low-cost tool for the control of patients with chronic disease.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04092738. Registered September 17, 2019.

Sex differences in outcomes from mild traumatic brain injury eight years post-injury.

The long-term effects of mild TBI (mTBI) are not well understood, and there is an ongoing debate about whether there are sex differences in outcomes following mTBI. This study examined i) symptom burden and functional outcomes at 8-years post-injury in males and females following mTBI; ii) sex differences in outcomes at 8-years post-injury for those aged <45 years and ≥45 years and; iii) sex differences in outcomes for single and repetitive TBI. Adults (≥16 years at injury) identified as part of a population-based TBI incidence study (BIONIC) who experienced mTBI 8-years ago (N = 151) and a TBI-free sample (N = 151) completed self-report measures of symptoms and symptom burden (Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist), and functional outcomes (Participation Assessments with Recombined Tools, Work Limitations Questionnaire). The mTBI group reported significantly greater post-concussion symptoms compared to the TBI-free group (F(1,298) = 26.84, p<.01, ηp2 = .08). Females with mTBI were twice as likely to exceed clinical cut-offs for post-concussive (X2 (1)>5.2, p<.05, V>.19) and PTSD symptoms (X2(1) = 6.10, p = .014, V = .20) compared to the other groups, and reported their health had the greatest impact on time-related work demands (F(1,171) = 4.36, p = .04, ηp2 = .03. There was no interaction between sex and age on outcomes. The repetitive mTBI group reported significantly greater post-concussion symptoms (F(1,147) = 9.80, p<.01, ηp2 = .06) compared to the single mTBI group. Twice the proportion of women with repetitive mTBI exceeded the clinical cut-offs for post-concussive (X2(1)>6.90, p<.01, V>.30), anxiety (X2(1)>3.95, p<.05, V>.23) and PTSD symptoms (X2(1)>5.11, p<.02, V>.26) compared with males with repetitive TBI or women with single TBI. Thus, at 8-years post-mTBI, people continued to report a high symptom burden. Women with mTBI, particularly those with a history of repetitive mTBI, had the greatest symptom burden and were most likely to have symptoms of clinical significance. When treating mTBI it is important to assess TBI history, particularly in women. This may help identify those at greatest risk of poor long-term outcomes to direct early treatment and intervention.

Victimization in Childhood Influences Presenteeism in Adulthood via Mediation by Neuroticism and Perceived Job Stressors.

BackgroundVictimization in childhood profoundly influences the mental health of individuals in adulthood, causing depression, anxiety disorder, suicidality, and self-harm, which leads to productivity loss in the workplace, ie, presenteeism. However, the specific effects of victimization on presenteeism remain unclear. We hypothesized that victimization affects the presenteeism of workers through neuroticism and perceived job stressors and analyzed the association among these factors by path analysis.MethodsA questionnaire survey, including demographic and clinical data, Japanese versions of victimization scale in childhood, Brief Job Stress Questionnaire, and Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ), was administered to 443 adult volunteers between April 2017 and April 2018 in Tokyo, Japan. Multiple variables were analyzed by multiple regression analysis and path analysis. The Institutional Review Board of Tokyo Medical University approved this study.ResultsPath analysis demonstrated that neuroticism and perceived job stressors had direct effects on presenteeism in the WLQ. Victimization indirectly increased presenteeism via neuroticism and its subsequent effects on perceived job stressors. This model accounted for 18% of the variability of presenteeism (R2 = 0.180).LimitationsThere may be possible recall bias owing to the self-administration of the questionnaire. In addition, this study had a cross-sectional design, and hence the causal associations among variables should be validated in a prospective study.ConclusionThe present study indicates that the experience of victimization in childhood is a risk factor of adulthood presenteeism, and this effect is mediated by neuroticism and adverse effects on job stressors. These results suggest that multiple factors, including childhood victimization, neuroticism, and job stressors, should be considered when assessing and preventing presenteeism.