Females in repetitive/constrained work – risk assessment by questionnaire or physical examination?

摘要

The prevalence ratio (PR), i.e. the relative risk, is important in judging whether or not a disorder in an exposed affected worker has been caused by a certain occupational exposure or by other causes. The sensitivity of the assessment method should not be too large, with most subjects ending up as cases, nor too small and unable to detect hazardous environments. To assess such properties 1762 females in 20 different occupational groups were examined by questionnaire physical examination. In neck/shoulders the 12-month prevalence was as high as 66% in females in varied/mobile work, hence PR for repetitive/constrained work was only 1.2 (95% CI 1.1-1.3). Physical examination, on the other hand showed lower prevalence among the referent group, 38%, and PR was 2.3 (1.9-2.8). In elbows/hand the prevalences were generally lower (12-months 37%, at least one diagnosis 5%) and the PRs were higher for both methods (12-months 1.8; 95% CI 1.6-2.0, diagnosis 3.0, 2.1-4.5). Thus, to assess ergonomic risk we recommend a physical examination. In addition to higher risk estimates the physical examination yields information on affected structures, and since it is very popular among subjects participation rates close to 100% can be obtained.