Analyzing complaints of arm, neck, and shoulder pain among academicians in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study on prevalence and contributing factors / Analisando queixas de dores nos braços, pescoço e ombros entre acadêmicos na Malásia: um estudo transversal sobre prevalência e fatores contribuintes

OBJECTIVES: Complaints of arm, neck, and shoulder (CANS) have been recognized as an important cause of work disability. Therefore, it is essential to identify those health risk factors for the development of CANS before they escalate into a disabling musculoskeletal condition. This study aims to ascertain the association between individual, physical, and psychosocial risk factors and the occurrence of CANS among academics in Malaysia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was adopted, enrolling 296 academic staff working at a private university in Malaysia using a convenient sampling approach. A content-validated questionnaire was distributed among selected academic staff to gather their feedback on the prevalence and contributing factors of CANS, and the survey was conducted for a period of six months. The chi-square test was used to analyze the association between risk factors and CANS, and multiple logistic regression was used to predict the risk factors of CANS. This study links all the health risk factors to CANS in Malaysian academicians. RESULTS: Of the academic staff who participated in this study, 63.5% reported an annual prevalence of CANS. Physical risk factors, including work experience, adopting a static head-down posture, time spent per day in teaching, and the number of hours spent in front of a computer, are associated with CANS (p<0.05). However, the utility of back support (p=0.878) and footrests (p=0.078) does not show any association with the occurrence of CANS (p>0.05). Besides job demand, other psychosocial factors do not show any significant association with CANS. DISCUSSION: The study found that 63.5% of academic staff suffer from arm, shoulder and neck pain, which is linked to physical risk factors such as work experience, static posture, teaching time and computer use. Back support and footrests had no significant influence on the complaints. Addressing physical risk factors is key to reducing these conditions among academic staff.

OBJETIVOS: As queixas do braço, pescoço e ombro (CANS, na sigla em inglês) foram reconhecidas como uma importante causa de incapacidade no trabalho. Portanto, é essencial identificar aqueles fatores de risco para a saúde para o desenvolvimento de CANS antes que elas se tornem uma condição musculoesquelética desabilitante. Este estudo visa determinar a associação entre fatores de risco individuais, físicos e psicossociais e a ocorrência de CANS entre acadêmicos na Malásia. METODOS: Um projeto de estudo transversal foi adotado, matriculando 296 funcionários acadêmicos que trabalham em uma universidade privada na Malásia usando uma abordagem de amostragem conveniente. Um questionário validado pelo conteúdo foi distribuído entre os funcionários acadêmicos selecionados para reunir os seus comentários sobre a prevalência e os fatores que contribuíram para a doença, e o inquérito foi conduzido por um período de seis meses. O teste Chi-square foi usado para analisar a associação entre os fatores de risco e as CANS, e regressão logística múltipla foi utilizada para predizer os fatores de risco de CANS. Este estudo vincula todos os fatores de risco para a saúde às CANS em acadêmicos da Malásia. RESULTADOS: Dos acadêmicos que participaram deste estudo, 63.5% relataram uma prevalência anual de CANS. Os fatores de risco físicos, incluindo a experiência de trabalho, a adoção de uma postura estática de cabeça para baixo, o tempo gasto por dia no ensino e o número de horas passadas na frente de um computador, estão associados com CANS (p<0.05). No entanto, a utilidade do suporte traseiro (p=0.878) e dos suportes de rodapé (p =0.078) não mostra nenhuma associação com a ocorrência de CANS (p>0.05). Além da procura de emprego, outros fatores psicossociais não mostram qualquer associação significativa com a CANS. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo constatou que 63,5% dos docentes sofrem de dores nos braços, ombros e pescoço, o que está ligado a fatores de risco físicos, como experiência de trabalho, postura estática, tempo de ensino e uso do computador. O apoio para as costas e os apoios para os pés não tiveram influência significativa nas queixas. Abordar os fatores de risco físicos é fundamental para reduzir estas condições entre o pessoal acadêmico.

Bone sarcoidosis: an unusual manifestation / Sarcoidosis ósea: una manifestación inusual

ABSTRACT Sarcoidosis is a multi-system disease that involves the lung in 90% of cases. Skeletomuscular involvement of sarcoidosis may involve joints, muscles and/or bones, the latter affecting 313% of patients. Its clinical presentation is asymptomatic in half of the cases, in the other half there is pain, soft tissue edema, and decreased limb function. Radiographically it is accompanied by osteolysis, osteosclerosis, cystic lesions and pathological fractures in advanced stages. A final diagnosis is made by tissue biopsy, finding non-caseating granulomatous process accompanied by Langhans giant cells. The main indication of medical management is the control of symptoms, associated with an improvement in the functioning of the affected limb and quality of life of the patient. The case is presented of a patient with digital sarcoidosis with classic radiographic pattern with no other extra-skeletal involvement.

RESUMEN La sarcoidosis es una enfermedad multisistémica que involucra en el 90% de los casos el pulmón. El compromiso osteomuscular de la sarcoidosis puede incluir articulaciones, músculos o huesos; este último caso afecta al 3-13% de los pacientes. Su presentación clínica es asintomática en la mitad de los casos, el restante se presenta con dolor, edema de tejidos blandos y disminución en la funcionalidad de la extremidad. Radiográficamente se acompaña de osteólisis, osteoesclerosis, lesiones quísticas y fracturas patológicas en estadios avanzados. Su diagnóstico definitivo se realiza por medio de una biopsia tisular, en la que se encuentra un proceso granulomatoso no caseificante acompañado de células gigantes de Langhans. La principal indicación del manejo médico es el control de los síntomas, lo que se asocia con una mejoría en el funcionamiento de la extremidad afectada y en la calidad de vida del paciente. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con sarcoidosis digital con patrón radiográfico clásico, sin otro compromiso extraesquelético.

Knowledge and Attitude towards Vitamin D Deficiency in Ha’il Region: A Community-Based Study

Background: Vitamin D deficiency represents a major health problem in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the Knowledge and attitude towards vitamin D deficiency in Ha’il Region (Northern Saudi Arabia). Methodology: A total of 500 Saudi volunteers living in the city of Ha’il and surrounding towns were included during the period from January 2020 to March 2020. Adults aged 15 years or older were randomly selected regardless of gender, occupation or marital status. Results: Out of the 500 study subjects, 214 (42.8%) did previous vitamin D testing (72/207 (34.8%) males and 142/293 (48.5%) were females). Females were significantly better for testing their vitamin D status than males (p=0.0032). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Ha’il Region. Although there is a relatively higher awareness level towards vitamin D sources, vitamin D testing, as well as knowledge about vitamin D deficiency-related disorders are poor among Saudi living in Ha’il Region.

Factors affecting the Health Problems of Concrete Mixer Truck Driver / 산업간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the level of health problems and the factors that affect health problems for concrete mixer truck divers. METHODS: The questionnaires were administered to 111 drivers in 6 Remicon workplaces located in D city and 7 Remicon workplaces located in K city from September 10 to 28, 2018. A total of 111 questionnaires were collected and 106 were used, excluding 5 incomplete ones. Data were analyzed with frequency, percentage, χ2 test, multiple logistic regression analysis by SPSS/WIN 23.0. RESULTS: The factors affecting subjective health were eating habits, sleeping hours and drinking conditions. The factors that affected chronic diseases were age, eating habits, sleep hours, and drinking conditions. The factors influencing musculoskeletal complaints were work experience, eating habits, and sleep hours. CONCLUSION: The major influencing factors of health problems were eating habits, sleeping hours. This study suggests that it is necessary to run a systematic health care program for the desirable health behaviors in the communities and industrial fields.

Evaluation of podiatric disorders in a sample of children with intellectual disabilities: an analytical cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Intellectual disabilities (IDs) usually derive from neurodevelopmental disabilities. They limit intellectual functioning and cause adaptive behaviors and orthopedic problems. These disabilities have harmful effects on health, everyday practical skills and social functioning, and they diminish quality of life. The goal of our research was to perform podiatric evaluations on schoolchildren with and without ID and ascertain their records of foot disorders. DESIGN AND SETTING: Analytical cross-sectional study conducted at a podiatric clinic in the city of Piedras Blancas, province of Asturias, Spain. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study on 82 schoolchildren affected by ID, compared with 117 healthy schoolchildren, was conducted at a podiatric clinic. Demographic data, clinical characteristics and measurements relating to podiatric examinations were recorded among the participants who completed all phases of the tool that was used in the study process. RESULTS: Almost 90% of the schoolchildren with and without ID presented foot disorders relating to smaller toes, nail disorders, flat feet or lower-limb alterations. CONCLUSIONS: The participants showed elevated prevalence of foot disorders. Podiatric evaluations are a significant means for preventing the appearance of medical conditions and/or foot problems, and they also improve general health.

Percepción del beneficio del ejercicio para la prevención de trastornos musculoesqueléticos: una perspectiva del trabajador / Workers' perception of benefit of the exercise for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders

Resumen: Distintas modalidades de prevención para disminuir la incidencia de Trastornos musculoesqueléticos (TME) han sido propuestas, sin embar go, no existe evidencia nacional sobre la valoración que hacen los trabajadores sobre las acciones implementadas por las empresas. El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar la percepción de los trabajadores sobre el beneficio del ejercicio en el puesto de trabajo (EPT) para prevenir TME. Método: Bajo el contexto de un estudio de evaluación de efectividad del ejercicio en la prevención de TME en trabajadores manu factureros, se le aplicó una encuesta de percepción a la totalidad de los trabajadores (n = 109). Resultados: Un 92.3% de los trabajadores con sidera importante realizar EPT y el 82.8% lo asocia a una conducta saludable, destaca un alto nivel de satisfacción en la práctica grupal de los ejercicios (96%) y estar de acuerdo con implementarla como estra tegia de prevención permanente. Conclusión: Los trabajadores otorgan gran importancia a la aplicación de EPT, independiente de su modali dad, los cuales tienden a relacionarse con la percepción positiva respec to a los efectos beneficiosos para su salud. La aplicación de esta moda lidad de ejercicios tiene una alta aceptabilidad por los trabajadores, facilitando su implementación y logro de objetivos.

Abstract: Different forms of prevention to reduce the incidence of musculoskel etal disorders (MSDs) have been proposed, however, there is no national evidence on the assessment made by workers on the actions implemented by companies. The purpose of this study was to assess workers' perception of the benefit of exercise in the workplace to prevent MSDs. Method: In the context of an evaluation study of exercise effectiveness in the prevention of MSDs in manufacturing workers, a perception survey was applied to all workers (n = 109). Results: 92.3% of the workers considered it important to exercise in the workplace and 82.8% associated it with a healthy behavior, they reported a high level of satisfaction in the group practice of the exer cises (96%) and agree to implement it as a permanent prevention strategy. Conclusion: The workers give high importance to the appli cation of exercise in the workplace, regardless of their modality, which tend to relate to positive perception and beneficial effects for their health.. The application of this type of exercise has a high acceptabil ity by workers, facilitating its implementation and achievement of objectives.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Musculoskeletal Disorders / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The sources of shockwave generation include electrohydraulic, electromagnetic and piezoelectric principles, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) appears to have mechanical and biological effects on tissue healing. The application of ESWT to musculoskeletal disorders has been around for more than a decade and is used primarily in the treatment of calcific or non-calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, lateral and medial epicondylitis of the elbow, patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinitis or proximal plantar fasciitis of the heel, myofascial pain syndrome, etc. ESWT is also used in the treatment of delayed union or non-union of long bone fractures, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, and chronic diabetic ulcers. The vast majority of papers have reported positive and beneficial effects with few complications. The clinical application of ESWT has increased steadily. This article reviews the current status of ESWT in musculoskeletal disorders.

Improved cardiorespiratory fitness after occupational rehabilitation in merged diagnostic groups

BACKGROUND: Various occupational inpatient rehabilitation programs are established in Norway. This study aimed to assess change in cardiorespiratory fitness, pain, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in persons on long-term sick leave due to musculoskeletal-, mental or unspecific disorders after participation in multicomponent inpatient occupational rehabilitation. METHODS: Twenty-five women and five men (mean age 45.2 years, SD 6.7, range 30–57) volunteered to participate in the study. The participants attended either 8 or 17 full days of occupational multicomponent rehabilitation including physical exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy in the form of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and development of a tailored plan for return to work. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by the Åstrand/Ryhming cycle test at the start and end of rehabilitation program, and at one-year follow-up. Changes in somatic and mental health were measured by questionnaires up to 4 months after start of the program. RESULTS: Linear mixed models showed that the maximal oxygen uptake increased by 1.1 mL°kg-1°min− 1 during the rehabilitation program and by 3.7 mL°kg-1°min− 1 at one-year follow-up. There were minor improvements in somatic and mental health, and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that occupational inpatient multicomponent rehabilitation including physical exercise and ACT may promote a long-term increase in physical exercise that is sufficient to induce a significant increase in cardiorespiratory fitness. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The current study is not registered, but is part of a larger trial registered at clinicaltrials.gov (No.: NCT01926574, registered 21. Aug 2013).

The Impact on the Musculoskeletal Symptoms of the Warehouse Employees's Work-related Characteristics and Job Stress / 한국직업건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between work-related characteristics and job stressors and the factors influencing musculoskeletal symptoms of the warehouse employees. METHODS: The research was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. Data were collected from 319 warehouse employees who agreed to participate in the study by using self-report questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, χ2-test, and logistic regression analysis (SPSS 18.0). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was 37.6%. The logistic regression analysis revealed a posture that renders fatigue or pain, repetitive work, and a higher total score of job stressors as the risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms in many body parts. CONCLUSION: Employers should plan to educate employees who work in warehouses about the correct working posture to prevent musculoskeletal diseases, stop repetitive work, and manage job stressors.

Human Body Mechanics of Pushing and Pulling: Analyzing the Factors of Task-related Strain on the Musculoskeletal System

The purpose of this review is to name and describe the important factors of musculoskeletal strain originating from pushing and pulling tasks such as cart handling that are commonly found in industrial contexts. A literature database search was performed using the research platform Web of Science. For a study to be included in this review differences in measured or calculated strain had to be investigated with regard to: (1) cart weight/ load; (2) handle position and design; (3) exerted forces; (4) handling task (push and pull); or (5) task experience. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and proved to be of adequate methodological quality by the standards of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. External load or cart weight proved to be the most influential factor of strain. The ideal handle positions ranged from hip to shoulder height and were dependent on the strain factor that was focused on as well as the handling task. Furthermore, task experience and subsequently handling technique were also key to reducing strain. Workplace settings that regularly involve pushing and pulling should be checked for potential improvements with regards to lower weight of the loaded handling device, handle design, and good practice guidelines to further reduce musculoskeletal disease prevalence.

The relationship between the development of musculoskeletal disorders, body mass index, and academic stress in Bahraini University students

BACKGROUND: There are many mechanisms in which stress can lead to weight gain thus high a BMI. The endocrine and inflammatory pathway can directly increase abdominal adiposity. Another way in which stress leads to weight gain is through changes in health behaviors. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among healthy students of Ahlia University, and to determine the relationship between the development of MSDs and academic stressors and body mass index. METHODS: Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 94 students aged 18-26 years who were enrolled at various Ahlia University colleges and met other inclusion criteria. The students responded to the standardized Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and the modified College Student Stress Inventory regarding musculoskeletal symptoms and academic stressors. Height and weight measurements were also obtained to determine body mass index. RESULTS: A total of 77.66% reported MSDs in one or more body part, with the prevalence being higher among women than among men. The 7-day prevalence of MSDs severe enough to interfere with activities of daily living was 60.64%, and 44.68% by female and male students, respectively. There was a significant relationship between academic stress and MSDs in the neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips, while the relationship between MSDs, and body mass index, academic stress, and grade point average was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MSDs among Ahlia University students was found to be high. Apart from the positive correlation between academic stress and MSDs in certain body parts, other correlations were not significant.

Application progresses of real-time shear wave elastography in skeletal muscles / 中国医学影像技术

The central nervous system disease and musculoskeletal diseases often involve skeletal muscles.Quantitative evaluation of strength and hardness of a single muscle accurately and rapidly are basis for causation analysis of movement dysfunction.Real-time shear wave elastography (SWE) is a new ultrasonic imaging technique developed in recent years,and still has a preliminary application in the skeletal muscle system.The application and research progresses of SWE in auxiliary diagnosis of disease in skeletal muscles were reviewed in this article.

Application progresses of real-time shear wave elastography in skeletal muscles / 中国医学影像技术

The central nervous system disease and musculoskeletal diseases often involve skeletal muscles.Quantitative evaluation of strength and hardness of a single muscle accurately and rapidly are basis for causation analysis of movement dysfunction.Real-time shear wave elastography (SWE) is a new ultrasonic imaging technique developed in recent years,and still has a preliminary application in the skeletal muscle system.The application and research progresses of SWE in auxiliary diagnosis of disease in skeletal muscles were reviewed in this article.

Assessment of interns and postgraduate dental student’s knowledge regarding equipment ergonomics.

Context: The substantial knowledge concerning ergonomics and its practical application is vital for forestalling musculoskeletal disorders. The role of equipment ergonomics (EE) in preventing these work‑related ailments is significantly noteworthy. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the prevailing perception of postgraduates (PGs) and interns regarding EE and preparing the Indian dental workforce for the challenges of India’s growing economy and population. Settings and Design: Authors conducted a cross‑sectional survey between December 2013 and February 2014 amidst the interns and PG dental students of Davangere city, Karnataka, India. Subjects and Methods: The data were collected using 21‑item custom designed proforma, comprising of questions evaluating student’s basic knowledge about EE. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was done using Chi‑square test in each group (PGs and interns) and Mann–Whitney test was implemented for comparison between both groups. Results: Of 358 subjects surveyed, 48% PGs and 52% interns affirmed that they came across EE only through this survey. In addition, 91.18% of PGs and 90.59% interns believed that the accentuation on EE is less in the current dental curriculum. Conclusions: Comprehensive understanding and practical application of EE among the participants was found to be lacking. The importance of microbreaks and chair side exercises should be emphasized and training should be initiated at an early stage before improper postural habits develop.

Development of Patient Transfer Techniques based on Postural-stability Principles for the Care Helpers in Nursing Homes and Evaluation of Effectiveness

PURPOSE: This study was done to develop a postural-stability patient transfer technique for care helpers in nursing homes and to evaluate its effectiveness. METHODS: Four types of patient transfer techniques (Lifting towards the head board of the bed, turning to the lateral position, sitting upright on the bed, transferring from wheel chair to bed) were practiced in accordance with the following three methods; Care helpers habitually used transfer methods (Method 1), patient transfer methods according to care helper standard textbooks (Method 2), and a method developed by the author ensuring postural-stability (Method 3). The care helpers' muscle activity and four joint angles were measured. The collected data were analyzed using the program SPSS Statistic 21.0. To differentiate the muscle activity and joint angle, the Friedman test was executed and the post-hoc analysis was conducted using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. RESULTS: Muscle activity was significantly lower during Method 3 compared to Methods 1 and 2. In addition, the joint angle was significantly lower for the knee and shoulder joint angle while performing Method 3 compared to Methods 1 and 2. DISCUSSION: Findings indicate that using postural-stability patient transfer techniques can contribute to the prevention of musculoskeletal disease which care helpers suffer from due to physically demanding patient care in nursing homes.

Comparison of Patient-Sitter Ward Nurses and General Ward Nurses on Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms, Occupational Stress and Nursing Work Environments

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare work-related musculoskeletal symptoms, occupational stress and nursing work environments of nurses working in patient-sitter wards and general wards. METHODS: The study surveyed 240 nurses with more than one year of experience working in both patient-sitter wards and general wards. The collected data then was analyzed by SPSS statistics version 22. RESULTS: As for the musculoskeletal symptoms, the survey showed that 85.2% and 67.8% of the nurses had such symptoms respectively in patient-sitter wards and general wards. In terms of occupational stress, no significant difference was observed between the patient-sitter ward and the general ward (t=-0.23, p=.821). Lastly, the study showed that there is a significant difference in terms of work environment considering the scores recorded 2.65 and 2.55 points respectively in patient-sitter ward and general ward (t=2.53, p=.012). CONCLUSION: Follow-up research should look at ways to lower the rate of experiencing work-related musculoskeletal symptoms; analyze work performances and establish work standards to lower occupational stress; and devise measures to improve the work environment for the nurses working in patient-sitter wards.

The Factors Related to Musculoskeletal Symptoms of Male Taxi Drivers / 한국직업건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to understand the subjective symptom rate of musculoskeletal disease of male taxi drivers and comprehend general features, health behavior features, and factors related to the subjective symptoms of musculoskeletal system depending on the level of job stress. METHODS: The participants were 206 male taxi drivers from 4 transportation companies in the Seoul and Gyeonggi areas. The investigation was conducted from July 20th 2012 to August 20th 2012 through a self-administered questionnaire survey. RESULTS: The participants who exercised less than three times per week complained about the subjective symptoms of the musculoskeletal system (p=.016) 13.770 times as more as than those of the participants who exercised more than three times per week the participants who had a higher level of job stress complained about the subjective symptoms of the muscular skeletal (p=.011) 1.051times as more as than those who had a relatively lower level of job stress. CONCLUSION: This study recommends that it is necessary to provide exercise programs and arrange various plans reducing job stress to prevent muscular skeletal disease and minimize the disease susceptibility of taxi drivers.

Workers' experiences with compensated sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorder: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES: The most common occupational disease that is compensated by Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (IACI) in Korea is musculoskeletal disease (MSD). Although complaints about the workers' compensation system have been raised by injured workers with MSD, studies that examine workers' experiences with the Korean system are rare. This paper is a qualitative study designed to examine injured workers' experiences with the workers' compensation system in Korea. The aim of this study is to explore the drawbacks of the workers' compensation system and to suggest ways to improve this system. METHODS: All workers from an automobile parts factory in Anseong, GyeongGi province who were compensated for MSD by IACI from January 2003 to August 2013 were invited to participate. Among these 153 workers, 142 workers completed the study. Semi-structured open-ended interviews and questionnaires were administered by occupational physicians. The responses of 131 workers were analyzed after excluding 11 workers, 7 of whom provided incomplete answers and 4 of whom were compensated by accidental injury. Based on their age, disease, department of employment, and compensation time, 16 of these 131 workers were invited to participate in an individual in-depth interview. In-depth interviews were conducted by one of 3 occupational physicians until the interview contents were saturated. RESULTS: Injured workers with MSD reported that the workers' compensation system was intimidating. These workers suffered more emotional distress than physical illness due to the workers' compensation system. Injured workers reported that they were treated inadequately and remained isolated for most of the recuperation period. The compensation period was terminated without ample guidance or a plan for an appropriate rehabilitation process. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to alleviate the negative experiences of injured workers, including quality control of the medical care institutions and provisions for mental and psychological care for injured workers, are needed to help injured workers return to work earlier and more healthy.

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Diseases and the Workers' Compensation

The Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act (IACIA) regulates the workers' compensation insurance system and the standards for the recognition of occupational diseases (ODs). Since its establishment in 1994, the IACIA has been amended several times. Before 2008, the approval of compensation for work-related musculoskeletal diseases (WMSDs) was decided based on the recommendation of consultants of the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service (COMWEL). The IACIA was amended in 2008, and since then, the approval of compensation for occupational injuries has been decided based on the recommendation of COMWEL consultants, whereas the approval of compensation for ODs was decided based on the judgment of Committee on Occupational Diseases Judgment (CODJ) which was established in 2008. According to the 2013 amendment to the IACIA, degenerative musculoskeletal diseases among workers engaged in musculoskeletal-burdening work should be considered compensable ODs. Despite some commendable changes to the workers' compensation insurance system, other significant issues persist. To resolve these issues, related organizations including the associations of orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and occupational and environmental medicine; Ministry of Employment and Labor; and COMWEL need to work cooperatively.

The Factors Related to Musculoskeletal Symptoms of Male Taxi Drivers / 산업간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to understand the subjective symptom rate of musculoskeletal disease of male taxi drivers and comprehend general features, health behavior features, and factors related to the subjective symptoms of musculoskeletal system depending on the level of job stress. METHODS: The participants were 206 male taxi drivers from 4 transportation companies in the Seoul and Gyeonggi areas. The investigation was conducted from July 20th 2012 to August 20th 2012 through a self-administered questionnaire survey. RESULTS: The participants who exercised less than three times per week complained about the subjective symptoms of the musculoskeletal system (p=.016) 13.770 times as more as than those of the participants who exercised more than three times per week the participants who had a higher level of job stress complained about the subjective symptoms of the muscular skeletal (p=.011) 1.051times as more as than those who had a relatively lower level of job stress. CONCLUSION: This study recommends that it is necessary to provide exercise programs and arrange various plans reducing job stress to prevent muscular skeletal disease and minimize the disease susceptibility of taxi drivers.