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

Author

Listed:
  • Yi-Fang Chang

    (Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Han Chung Hospital, Taichung 420, Taiwan
    Yi-Fang Chang, Chang-Ming Yeh, Shu-Ling Huang contributed equally to this work.)

  • Chang-Ming Yeh

    (Department of Occupational Medicine, Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Chiayi 622, Taiwan
    Yi-Fang Chang, Chang-Ming Yeh, Shu-Ling Huang contributed equally to this work.)

  • Shu-Ling Huang

    (Department of Psychology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
    Room of Clinical Psychology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 402, Taiwan
    Yi-Fang Chang, Chang-Ming Yeh, Shu-Ling Huang contributed equally to this work.)

  • Chi-Chung Ho

    (Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 402, Taiwan)

  • Ren-Hau Li

    (Department of Psychology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan)

  • Wei-Hsun Wang

    (Department of Orthopedic, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan
    Department of Medical Imaging and Radiology, Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung 821, Taiwan)

  • Feng-Cheng Tang

    (Department of Occupational Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan
    Department of Leisure Services Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung 413, Taiwan
    School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Yi-Fang Chang & Chang-Ming Yeh & Shu-Ling Huang & Chi-Chung Ho & Ren-Hau Li & Wei-Hsun Wang & Feng-Cheng Tang, 2020. "Work Ability and Quality of Life in Patients with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-12, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:9:p:3310-:d:356056
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Juliana Dos Santos Müller & Ila Rocha Falcão & Maria Carolina Barreto Moreira Couto & Wendel Da Silva Viana & Ivone Batista Alves & Denise Nunes Viola & Courtney Georgette Woods & Rita Franco Rêgo, 2016. "Health-Related Quality of Life among Artisanal Fisherwomen/Shellfish Gatherers: Lower than the General Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-12, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Dong Seok Shin & Byung Yong Jeong, 2022. "Older Female Farmers and Modeling of Occupational Hazards, Wellbeing, and Sleep-Related Problems on Musculoskeletal Pains," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-11, June.

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