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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Karen Messing, PhD¹, Stephanie Premji, MSc², and Vanessa Couture, B Sc¹. (1) Department of biological sciences / CINBIOSE, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale centre-ville, Montreal, QC H3P 3P8, Canada, (2) Institute of environmental sciences (ISE) / CINBIOSE, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale centre-ville, Montreal, QC H3P 3P8, Canada, 514-987-3000, 7697#, stephanie.premji@internet.uqam.ca

Literature on the work-relatedness of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) has been interpreted in compensation cases to reflect a lack of consensus among scientists. However, some apparent confusion may be attributed to the customary language of publication of epidemiological research, which eschews definite statements on causation, irrespective of what the authors in fact believe. In order to determine whether scientists' statements differ in formal and informal communications, we analyzed statements made by public health professionals in scientific publications and in an online discussion forum, on the work-relatedness of MSDs. We also sought to examine possible associations of scientists' affiliations with their expressed attitudes. We examined articles on MSDs from the American Journal of Industrial Medicine (10) and the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (10), selected in reverse chronological order from January 2003 and November 2002, respectively. We also looked at messages concerned with the aetiology of MSDs posted in the Occ-Env-Med-L forum posted by professionals in occupational and environmental medicine, most of whom are published researchers, over a nine-year period (1994-2002). Ninety-four messages from 71 individuals were collected and analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively for rejection versus affirmation of work-relatedness. Whereas scientists did not make definite statements in peer-reviewed literature, they expressed clear opinions in the informal venues. A relation was found between affiliation and attitude in informal but not formal communications. It is important for scientists, reviewers and editors to think about the ways in which results are communicated, when these may be used in decisions on compensation.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will become sensitized to the language they use in presenting occupational health studies.
• Participants will learn about the relationship between how results are presented and potential effects on workers' compensation decisions.

Keywords: Occupational Health, Workers' Compensation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation