Does computer use pose a hazard for future long-term sickness absence?

The aim of the study was to investigate if weekly duration of computer use predicted sickness absence for more than two weeks at a later time

Computer work and musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and upper extremity: A systematic review

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This review examines the evidence for an association between computer work and neck and upper extremity disorders (except carpal tunnel syndrome).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A systematic critical review of studies of computer work and musculoskeletal disorders verified by a physical examination was performed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 22 studies (26 articles) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results show limited evidence for a causal relationship between computer work per se, computer mouse and keyboard time related to a diagnosis of wrist tendonitis, and for an association between computer mouse time and forearm disorders. Limited evidence was also found for a causal relationship between computer work per se and computer mouse time related to tension neck syndrome, but the evidence for keyboard time was insufficient. Insufficient evidence was found for an association between other musculoskeletal diagnoses of the neck and upper extremities, including shoulder tendonitis and epicondylitis, and any aspect of computer work.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>There is limited epidemiological evidence for an association between aspects of computer work and some of the clinical diagnoses studied. None of the evidence was considered as moderate or strong and there is a need for more and better documentation.</p

Women performing repetitive work: Is there a difference in the prevalence of shoulder pain and pathology in supermarket cashiers compared to the general female population?

Objectives: Shoulder disorders in the occupational environment have been widely studied, but the quality of research and methodology applied vary. Little has been done to ascertain whether shoulder pain in female repetitive workers is due to any verifiable pathology, or to compare findings with the general population. Therefore, we decided to evaluate the prevalence of self-reported shoulder pain in a group of female supermarket cashiers and in the general female population using a standardized questionnaire. Shoulder pain prevalence was then compared to imaging findings in order to assess specific and non-specific pain prevalence. Material and Methods: 196 cashiers and 302 controls filled in a standardized shoulder questionnaire and underwent an imaging examination of a shoulder. Results: The prevalence of shoulder pain was significantly higher in the group of cashiers (46.4%) than in the general population (25.5%) (OR = 1.821; 95% CI: 1.426–2.325). Specific pain prevalence was higher among the controls (19.5%) than among the cashiers (13.2%). Conclusions: The more frequent reports of shoulder pain in the supermarket cashiers are not correlated with a higher prevalence of imaging abnormalities. The causes of these more frequent complaints should be probably sought in the psycho-social and occupational environment

First-Trimester Working Conditions and Birthweight: A Prospective Cohort Study

Objectives. We investigated the relationship between women's first-trimester working conditions and infant birthweight

Psychosocial predictors of low birthweight: a prospective study

ObjectiveTo examine the role of psychosocial risk factors for low birthweight.DesignA prospective study.SettingObstetric outpatient clinics of the University Hospital Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam.ParticipantsThree hundred and ninety-six nulliparous women.MethodsQuestionnaires on background variables, daily stressors, psychological and mental wellbeing, social support and work factors were completed by the women in the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy. Low birthweight for gestational age was defined at different cut off points: 1. ResultsWhen the cut off level was defined ConclusionsIn the first trimester of pregnancy maternal psychosocial factors are associated with an increased risk of low birthweight. The specific psychosocial risk factors found were different when the definition of low birthweight was changed. Therefore, in this field of research, we suggest use of the most valid outcome measure for low birthweight, being the customised birthweight centiles.Paarlberg, K. Marieke ; Vingerhoets, J. J. M. ; Passchier, Jan ; Dekker, Gustaaf A. ; Heinen, Antonius G. J. J. ; van Geijn, Herman P