Self-reported Work Ability and Work Performance in Workers with Chronic Nonspecific Musculoskeletal Pain

Purpose To assess self-reported work ability and work performance of workers who stay at work despite chronic nonspecific musculoskeletal pain (CMP), and to explore which variables were associated with these outcomes. Methods In a cross-sectional study we assessed work ability (Work Ability Index, single item scale 0–10) and work performance (Health and Work Performance Questionnaire, scale 0–10) among 119 workers who continued work while having CMP. Scores of work ability and work performance were categorized into excellent (10), good (9), moderate (8) and poor (0–7). Hierarchical multiple regression and logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relation of socio-demographic, pain-related, personal- and work-related variables with work ability and work performance. Results Mean work ability and work performance were 7.1 and 7.7 (poor to moderate). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that higher work ability scores were associated with lower age, better general health perception, and higher pain self-efficacy beliefs (R² = 42 %). Higher work performance was associated with lower age, higher pain self-efficacy beliefs, lower physical work demand category and part-time work (R² = 37 %). Logistic regression analysis revealed that work ability ≥8 was significantly explained by age (OR = 0.90), general health perception (OR = 1.04) and pain self-efficacy (OR = 1.15). Work performance ≥8 was explained by pain self-efficacy (OR = 1.11). Conclusions Many workers with CMP who stay at work report poor to moderate work ability and work performance. Our findings suggest that a subgroup of workers with CMP can stay at work with high work ability and performance, especially when they have high beliefs of pain self-efficacy. Our results further show that not the pain itself, but personal and work-related factors relate to work ability and work performance.     

不同特征脑力劳动者职业紧张与工作能力的关系

目的探讨不同特征脑力劳动者的职业紧张和工作能力的变化。方法采用工作紧张测量量表（Job Stress Survey,JSS）和工作能力指数表（WorkAbility Index,WAI）,测量某市1363名脑力劳动者的职业紧张水平和工作能力,并探讨职业紧张与工作能力的关系。结果①职业紧张水平：男性高于女性（P〈0．01）;工龄〈10a者高于工龄〉10a者（P〈0．01）。②工作能力：工龄〈10a者好于工龄〉10a者（P〈0．01）;文化程度本科及以上者好于本科以下者（P〈0．05）。③汉族与少数民族职工职业紧张水平和工作能力差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。④不同职业紧张分组,工作能力得分差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。工作紧张指数、工作压力指数、组织支持缺乏指数与工作能力呈负相关（r=-0．14,,=-0．11,,=-0．12;P〈0．01）;随着各项紧张指数的增加,工作能力有所下降。结论性别、工龄是脑力劳动者的职业紧张影响因素;工龄、文化程度、职业紧张水平是脑力劳动者工作能力的影响因素。紧张水平增加,工作能力下降。     

造纸工人健康状况与工作能力的调查研究

[目的]调查造纸行业生产工人健康状况与工作能力,为提高工人的身心健康和工作能力提供依据。[方法]分层随机选择一线工人1309名,用工作能力指数和职业紧张量表评价其工作能力和职业紧张相关因素;以480名非一线工人为对照组。[结果]研究组意外伤害及呼吸、心理、消化和神经感觉系统疾患的年患病率高于对照组（P〈0．05）;工作能力平均得分低于对照组（P〈0．01）,工作能力单项得分也低于对照组（P〈0．01）;工作能力单项分析,除现阶段工作能力主观评价外,其余各项得分低于对照组（P〈0．05）;工作能力与健康状况有关（P〈0．01）;多元回归分析显示,工人的工作能力与职业任务冲突、工作环境和心理、躯体紧张反应呈负相关（P〈0．05）。[结论]造纸行业一线工人的健康状况不容忽视,改善工作环境,促进身心健康,对于提高工作能力有重要意义。     

外来工职业紧张与工作能力关系的研究

目的探讨外来工职业紧张与工作能力的关系。方法应用职业紧张量表修订版(OSI-R)和工作能力指数法(WAI),对深圳市来自不同行业的644名外来工的职业紧张和工作能力的变化情况进行测试。结果随着职业紧张程度的增加,外来工紧张反应水平增加,而随着应对能力的降低,外来工职业紧张程度增加;职业紧张程度越强,工作能力越低。应对资源与工作能力呈正相关(P<0.01),并在低度紧张组职业任务与工作能力呈明显的正相关(P<0.01)。结论职业紧张可导致外来工工作能力的降低,保护和促进外来工的工作能力是职业卫生领域面临的重要任务之一。     

Work ability of workers in western China: reference data

BACKGROUND: The Work Ability Index (WAI) is a validated and widely used research tool. Reference data for Chinese workers by age, gender and work content are poorly documented or lacking. OBJECTIVE: To provide reference data for work ability among workers in western China. METHODS: A random sample of 10 218 workers (including manual, professional, clerical and semi-skilled workers) in western China, aged 16-69 years, was taken from several studies and the WAI questionnaire was administered. RESULTS: All the WAI scores were distributed continuously and nearly normally. The WAI for female workers was significantly higher than for males (P < 0.01) and the 'poor' WAI category only accounted for 3% of females, against 6% of males. WAI scores declined with age and changed variably among workers according to work content and age. Mean WAI scores of manual workers declined rapidly beyond the age of 35 years, and beyond age 45 years for professional and clerical workers. WAI scores were distributed differently according to work content and age group (P < 0.01). WAI categories differed by work content and age group both for male and female workers. CONCLUSION: WAI is validated in Chinese occupational practices. Some reference data are different from Finnish data. This study provides gender, age and work-content-specific WAI reference values that will help enable comparison and intervention evaluation in further studies.     

接尘工人工作能力研究

目的了解接尘工人工作能力的变化规律。方法用"工作能力指数测量问卷"对213例健康不接尘工人(对照组)、307例接尘工人的工作能力进行测量。结果 WAI均值无论是对照组、接尘组还是尘肺组均随着年龄的增长而下降,不同性别间差异无统计学意义。对照、接尘和尘肺组间差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),其中接尘组显著低于对照组,尘肺组又显著低于接尘组,进一步分析发现接尘组中的石棉组和煤尘组的WAI低于对照组(P<0.01),而矽尘组与对照组间差异无统计学意义。结论早在尘肺发生前,接尘工人的工作能力已显著下降。应该尽早采取措施,保护接尘工人的工作能力和身体健康。     

Work Outcomes in Patients Who Stay at Work Despite Musculoskeletal Pain

Purpose To assess self-reported work impacts and associations between psychosocial risk factors and work impairment amongst workers seeking care for musculoskeletal pain while continuing to work. Methods Patients were recruited from Musculoskeletal Assessment Clinics at 5 hospitals across Ireland. Participants completed questionnaires including assessments of work impairment (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire), work ability (single item from the Work Ability Index) and work performance (Work Role Functioning Questionnaire; WRFQ). Logistic and hierarchical regressions were conducted to analyse the relation between psychosocial variables and work outcomes. Results 155 participants (53.5% female; mean age?=?46.50 years) who were working at the time of assessment completed the questionnaires. Absenteeism was low, yet 62.6% were classified as functioning poorly according to the WRFQ; 52.3% reported having poor work ability. Logistic regression analyses indicated that higher work role functioning was associated with higher pain self-efficacy (OR 1.51); better work ability was associated with older age (OR 1.063) and lower functional restriction (OR 0.93); greater absenteeism was associated with lower pain self-efficacy (OR 0.65) and poorer work expectancy (OR 1.18). Multiple regression analysis indicated that greater presenteeism was associated with higher pain intensity (β?=?0.259) and lower pain self-efficacy (β?=???0.385). Conclusions While individuals continue to work with musculoskeletal pain, their work performance can be adversely affected. Interventions that target mutable factors, such as pain self-efficacy, may help reduce the likelihood of work impairment.     

Self-Reported Work Ability Predicts Rehabilitation Measures,Disability Pensions,Other Welfare Benefits,and Work Participation: Longitudinal Findings from a Sample of German Employees

Purpose The study examined the performance of the Work Ability Index in predicting rehabilitation measures and disability pensions, sickness absence and unemployment benefits, and work participation among a sample of workers previously receiving sickness absence benefits. Methods Workers aged 40 to 54 years who received sickness absence benefits in 2012 completed the Work Ability Index in 2013. Outcomes were extracted from administrative data records. Results Data for 2149 participants were included (mean age: 47.8 years; 54.4% women). Mean follow-up was 19 months. Work Ability Index scores were poor (7–27 points) in 21% of the participants, and moderate (28–36 points) in 38.4%. In all, 224 rehabilitation measures and 35 disability pensions were approved. Fully adjusted analyses showed increased risk of rehabilitation measures in workers with poor (HR 4.55; 95% CI 3.14–6.60) and moderate scores (HR 2.08; 95% CI 1.43–3.01) compared to workers with good or excellent scores (37–49 points). The risk of a disability pension increased significantly for workers with poor scores (HR 7.78; 95% CI 2.59–23.35). In addition, poor scores were prospectively associated with a longer duration of sickness absence and employment benefits, and fewer employment days and less income from regular employment. Conclusions The Work Ability Index is a potential tool for following up workers who already have an increased risk of permanent work disability due to previous long-term sickness absence.     

A comparison of the relationships between psychosocial factors,occupational strain,and work ability among 4 ethnic teacher groups in China

The present study compared the level of occupational strain and work ability among Han, Hui, Uygur, Hui, and Kazakh teachers, and explored ethnic differences based on the associations of psychosocial factors at work, occupational strain, and work ability. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2,941 teachers in primary and secondary schools in Xinjiang Province, China. Psychosocial factors, occupational strain, and work ability were measured using the Occupation Stress Inventory—Revised Edition (OSI-R) and Work Ability Index. Han and Hui teachers experienced reduced work ability compared with Uygur and Kazakh teachers, and this finding was caused, in part, by exposure to psychosocial factors at work. The vocational and psychological strains caused by these factors play an important role in reduced work ability among all ethnic teacher groups. The findings indicate the importance of taking action to reduce occupational strain for promoting teachers' work ability in multiethnic workplaces.     

Work ability among nursing workers at the emergency service of a university hospital

In a couple of years, the demographic and epidemiologic transition observed in Brazil will put this country in a worldwide position of prominence in relation to the aged population. Furthermore, the need for economic adaptation and consequent changes in Brazilian social security will result in workers staying in the labor market for a larger period of time, thus influencing their functional ability. This study aimed to evaluate work ability among nursing workers at the Emergency Service of a University Hospital. Study participants were fifty-four workers (40 women and 14 men), whose ages ranged from 23 to 53 years (average age 37.3 years). We used the Work Ability Index (WAI), an instrument developed in Finland, which presented an average value of 42.0. The most mentioned diseases with medical diagnosis were musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological. We consider that health promotion at work is one of the fundamental aspects for maintaining work ability.     

某钢铁企业技术工人职业紧张与综合性工作能力现状及相关分析

目的了解某钢铁企业技术工人职业紧张与综合性工作能力现状及两者之间的相关性。方法分层整群抽样方法抽取某钢铁企业914名技术工人进行职业紧张目录问卷(OSI-R)及综合性工作能力指数(CWAI)调查。结果职业任务得分(162.4±20.3)低于技术工人常模(183.4±22.0),与西南地区职业人群常模(162.9±27.0)差异无统计学意义(P0.05);紧张反应得分(95.1±22.1)低于技术工人常模(97.5±13.8),而高于西南地区职业人群常模(91.0±17.2);应对资源得分(126.4±19.2)较两个常模(技术工人:128.9±18.4,西南地区:129.2±17.7)均低。以技术工人常模为参照,职业任务适度/相对缺乏紧张者占97.9%,适度/相对缺乏个体紧张反应者占76.2%,具备适度/很强个体应对资源者占80.7%;CWAI减弱者占38.3%。职业紧张与CWAI受到多种人群特征因素的影响。CWAI与OSI-R多个子项目相关,总体与职业任务、紧张反应成负相关,与应对资源成正相关。结论企业对技术工人的应对资源、紧张反应、CWAI等方面应进行干预。在进行职业紧张及CWAI干预时要重视薄弱人群及环节。CWAI干预和职业紧张干预应同时进行。     

Work ability and quality of life of brazilian industrial workers

The scope of this study was to evaluate the quality of life and work ability of industrial workers by means of self-perception questionnaires. 100 industrial production line workers on the night shift participated in this study. Authorized Brazilian translations of the Work Ability Index (WAI) and the Abbreviated World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-Bref) Assessment Instrument were applied. The results show an association between work ability and the whole set of domains of quality of life, presenting a closer association with the physical domain (r =0.61). Furthermore, young men obtained higher ability to work results, while women aged between 30 and 39 had the lowest quality of life indices (p =0.027), especially in the Social Relationships and Environment domains. This shows that preventive guidelines for the improvement of aspects linked to the Physical domain are necessary both in the workplace and outside the workplace, since this interaction exacerbates the effects on the physical aspect in both spheres.     

综合性工作能力指数量表的编制

目的 建立综合评价工作能力的测量工具--综合性工作能力指数(Comprehensive Work Ability Index, CWAI)量表.方法 采用整群随机抽样方法抽取某厂198名在职职工作为研究对象,以工作能力理论模式为基础,根据量表编制的标准方法,采用项目区分度分析、相关系数法和因子分析方法筛选CWAI量表条目.结果 CWAI量表属于自评式工作能力评价量表,共包括5个项目,涉及工作能力总体评价、生理状态(如现患疾病及其影响)、心理状态(如工作满意度、精神状态等)、社会功能状态(如社会支持、社会适应等)、工作能力预测等方面的信息,所有项目的 累计得分即为CWAI.CWAI是评价工作能力的依据.结论 CWAI量表结构较清晰、稳定,与预期理论结构相吻合,但在实际应用前尚需进行量表的信度与效度评价.     

Work ability among workers from a condominiun of high technology companies

Remarkable transformation occurred in the last two decades on the industrial sector, such as the use of trainees and outsourced labor. In a epidemiological cross-sectional study 190 workers, aimed at assessing work ability and building up a socio-demographic life styles of workers, outsourced workers and trainees, who work at a corporate condominium comprising high technology companies. The Work Ability Index was employed with a questionnaire concerning lifestyle and demographic data. Gender balance was noticed, with a prevalence of youngsters and single people (63.2%). Few were tobacco smokers (13.2%), 62.6% performed physical exercise. In addition, 44.2% were medically diagnosed with some illness. This study is very important due to their interchangeability and to the general lack of a worker's health service.     

Perceived work ability of home care workers in relation to individual and work-related factors in different age groups

This study analysed the relationship between age and items of the Work Ability Index (WAI) among 19- to 62-year-old female home care workers (n = 636). The first significant decrease in work ability occurred between the ages of 40 and 44 years, and a second, sharper decrease occurred after 55 years of age. The subjects' physical work ability deteriorated as early as 35 years of age. In addition, current work ability, number of diagnosed diseases and work impairment due to diseases proved to be the most age-sensitive measures of work ability. The subjects who perceived their health status as poor had the highest risk for poor work ability. Moreover, the age-adjusted odds ratio indicated that the WAI was strongly associated with age and musculoskeletal and psychosomatic symptoms. Ergonomics, possibilities to control one's own work, time pressure and management were the features of work that predicted work ability. The study demonstrated the need to promote the work ability of home care workers early in working life. Among both older and younger workers, preventive measures should focus on the above-mentioned factors.     

Stress and work ability in oil industry workers

This cross-sectional study conducted between March and June 2006 examined stress at work and work ability of 180 people with different workplaces within an oil company. Office, laboratory, and oil-field workers were invited to complete the "Occupational Stress Assessment Questionnaire--the Oil Industry Version and Work Ability Index (WAI) Questionnaire". The overall response rate was 69.4%, and the final sample size was 125 workers who completed the questionnaires (57 office, 41 laboratory, 27 oil-field workers). Office, laboratory, and oil-field workers differed significantly with respect to age (P<0.001). The oldest were oil-field workers and the youngest were office workers. The average WAI score for office workers was 44.9, for laboratory workers 43.2 and for field workers 39.7, indicating satisfying work ability. After adjusting for age, the difference in WAI score between the groups of workers was still significant (P<0.001). Over 75% of all workers believed their job was stressful, but the perception of specific stressors depended on the workplace.     

Obstacles to and Facilitators of Return to Work After Work-Disabling Back Pain: The Workers’ Perspective

Introduction Back pain entails considerable costs, particularly because many injured workers are absent from work for long periods. Factors that influence return to work among workers with back pain are still, however, not well understood. This qualitative study aimed at documenting affected workers’ perspective on the: 1—difficulties caused by back pain, and 2—most important obstacles to and facilitators of return to work. Methods Two focus groups composed of workers having suffered from work-disabling back pain were held: a group of participants who had returned to work (n = 9) and a group of participants who had not returned or had recently returned to work (n = 10). The verbatim accounts of the discussions were transcribed and a content analysis was carried out that included a ranking of items. Results Difficulties caused by back pain were related to: (1) personal, (2) family, (3) social, (4) occupational, and (5) financial factors, and (6) health services. Obstacles to and facilitators of return to work were of 4 different types: (1) occupational factors, (2) factors associated with the utilization of health services, (3) clinical, and (4) personal factors. Persistent pain, lack of access to information or support groups, and lack of collaboration and understanding from employer were the most important obstacles identified, whereas knowledge of one’s limits and physical training were perceived to be the most important facilitators of return to work, ahead of work-related factors. Differences between groups’ perceptions were attributed mainly to control beliefs. Conclusions Personal, clinical, occupational and health services factors are perceived by workers with back pain to play a crucial role in determining whether they return to work or not.     

Work ability, physical activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness: 2-year results from Project Active

An adequate level of physical activity may maintain or promote work ability in aging workers. Project Active is a randomized trial comparing a Lifestyle physical activity program with a Structured exercise program in sedentary but healthy adults aged 35 to 60 years. Subjects in both groups received 6 months of intensive intervention followed by 18 months of active follow-up. The total number of subjects was 235, from which 80 subjects participated in the work ability assessment. Primary outcome measures were energy expenditure (kcal.kg-1.day-1), cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen uptake in ml.min-1.kg-1), and the Work Ability Index. At 6 months, daily energy expenditure had increased significantly over baseline (mean +/- SD, from 33.0 +/- 0.9 to 34.4 +/- 1.8 kcal.kg-1.day-1) and was maintained over baseline at 24 months (34.0 +/- 2.5 kcal.kg-1.day-1). The significant increase in energy expenditure was observed particularly in moderate levels of activity. The average percentage of body fat was significantly higher at baseline compared with 6 months and 24 months. Peak oxygen uptake increased from baseline significantly during the first 6 months (from 29.6 +/- 5.7 to 30.6 +/- 6.3 ml.min-1.kg-1) and decreased to the baseline level (29.1 +/- 5.5 ml.min-1.kg-1) at 24 months. At baseline, the average Work Ability Index was 44.2 +/- 4.0, and it remained unchanged at 6 months (44.4 +/- 3.9) and at 24 months (44.2 +/- 3.1). In conclusion, a 2-year physical activity intervention increased daily energy expenditure, reduced body fat, and maintained peak oxygen uptake in healthy, middle-aged, sedentary subjects. The average Work Ability Index score at baseline was excellent and did not change during the 2-year physical activity interventions.     

Functional aging and work conditions in forensic workers

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate aging associated to work conditions. METHOD: Eight hundred and seven forensic workers answered the questionnaire "Work Ability Index - WAI". The ergonomic conditions were analysed using a job analysis method - AET (Rohmert & Landau). RESULTS: The largest number of employees were mainly submitted to cognitive demands at work. The most reported diagnosed diseases were: musculoskeletal diseases (and lesions), neurological (including emotional disturbances), respiratory, digestive, skin and cardiovascular diseases. The analysis of the logistic regression models showed that: female workers, those with longer time on the job and job title of operational helper, increase the odds ratio to present low or moderate WAI. DISCUSSION: The results point out the need to improve the working conditions. It is suggested the implementation of Specialized Safety Engineering and Occupational Medicine Service, as it is demanded by the Federal Law 6,514 of 1977.