The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #70887

Bert D Stover, BA, Health Services, University of Washington, P.O. Box 357660, Seattle, WA 98117, 206 781-1838, bstover@u.washington.edu

This study examines the predictive ability of a short questionnaire to identify upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). MSDs are the most common workplace injury today and comprise a high percentage of workers compensation claims. The disorders frequently result in long periods of disability. These soft-tissue disorders involve tendons, muscles, ligaments, nerves, degenerative changes in bone and cartilage. Diagnosis of MSD is difficult and clinical treatment has limited effectiveness making surveillance and prevention critical. Physiologic conditions are not always observable through physical exam or imaging studies, and the level of disability does not correlate well with nerve conduction studies and other clinical measurements. Long recovery and disability are more likely once the disorder reaches the clinical phase. However, early workplace intervention is successful in reducing cost and morbidity. Improvement in methods predicting development of MSDs in the workplace is needed. This 11-item disability instrument was derived from the 31-item, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. Questions include the ability to perform everyday activities and work, symptom severity, and difficulty sleeping. A valid and reliable short questionnaire minimizes the administrative burden and makes the instrument practical for worker education, surveillance, epidemiologic studies, and program evaluation. This 11-item instrument was piloted in a prospective study (n=500) across a wide range of workplaces and exposure levels. Development of MSDs and lost work days over 4, 8, and 12 months, distribution of scores, and ceiling and floor effects will be reported.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the burden of work-related musculoskeletal disorders
• Articulate the importance of early detection of musculoskeletal disorders
• Evaluate the use of disability measurement as an early indicator of upper extremity musculoskeletal disability

Keywords: Prevention, Occupational Surveillance

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.