Work Ability and Quality of Life in Patients with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Chang-Ming Yeh¹  Feng-Cheng Tang²  Wei-Hsun Wang³  Yi-Fang Chang⁴  Ren-Hau Li⁵  Shu-Ling Huang⁵  Chi-Chung Ho⁶ 

[1] Department of Occupational Medicine, Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Chiayi 622, Taiwan;Department of Occupational Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan;Department of Orthopedic, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan;Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Han Chung Hospital, Taichung 420, Taiwan;Department of Psychology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan;Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 402, Taiwan;

关键词: work ability;    quality of life;    musculoskeletal disorders;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijerph17093310

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

This study aimed to investigate level of work ability and quality of life (QOL) as well as the relationship between them among patients suffering from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in Taiwan. A cross-sectional study design with continuous sampling and a questionnaire were used to obtain the research data. Controlling for personal characteristics, pain, psychological distress, and social support, multiple linear regressions were adopted to explore the relationship between work ability and overall QOL. Further analyses were also made to clarify the relationships between work ability and each domain of QOL. In total, 165 patients with WMSDs were recruited. Compared with general workers, the participants reported a lower level of work ability and overall QOL. Work ability was significantly associated with overall QOL when covariates were controlled. Among the four domains of QOL, work ability was significantly associated with both the physical and psychological domains. The conclusion was that work ability is a definite factor of QOL for patients with WMSDs; the essence of work ability may be beyond economic function or social support. Strategies to help workers with WMSDs enhance their work ability to fit their new or temporary jobs would be beneficial to their QOL.

【 授权许可】

Unknown