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Predictors of upper extremity symptoms and functional impairment among workers employed for 6 months in a new job
Author(s) -
Gardner Bethany T.,
Dale Ann Marie,
VanDillen Linda,
Franzblau Alfred,
Evanoff Bradley A.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.20625
Subject(s) - medicine , psychosocial , functional impairment , logistic regression , physical therapy , wrist , population , surgery , psychiatry , environmental health
Background We sought to identify personal and work‐related predictors of upper extremity symptoms and related functional impairment among 1,108 workers employed for 6 months in a new job. Methods We collected data at baseline and 6‐month follow‐up using self‐administered questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression models were created for each outcome variable. Predictors included personal risk factors, physical work exposures and psychosocial factors. Results Independent predictors for upper extremity symptoms at 6‐month follow‐up were age, Caucasian race, female gender, baseline history of UE symptoms, and job tasks involving wrist bending or forceful gripping. Independent predictors for functional impairment were baseline history and severity of UE symptoms, wrist bending, and social support. Conclusions Both personal and work‐related factors were independent predictors of upper extremity symptoms and functional impairment in this working population. We found different risk factors for symptoms than for functional impairment related to symptoms. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:932–940, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.