The relationship between work history, work environment and low-back pain in men.

Interviews were conducted with 303 men to determine aspects of work history and working environment that are related to low-back pain. Respondents included no pain, moderate pain, and severe pain samples. Data were obtained for 150 variables including task frequencies, weights lifted, lifting postures, type of floor surface, type of chair support, pushing, pulling, and carrying activities, driving vehicles, and attributions of pain occurrence to particular situations. Univariate analyses showed difference among the three pain groups for lifting method, having had lifting instruction, stretching and reaching activities, amount of sitting and twisting in seat, pushing materials of varied weights, and contributions of pain onset. Multivariate regression analyses selected activities from (1) standing and lifting, (2) carrying, pushing, and pulling, (3) sitting, (4) driving vehicles, and (5) using vibrating equipment that jointly explained pain group variance. The significant variables from each domain were used in second-level multiple regressions to explain differences between no pain and pain, and between moderate and severe pain. Computed weights for pulling, lifting method, weight carried, reaching and stretching, chair support, number of times/day in-out of chair, and heavy vibration exposure explained 27% of variance between moderate and severe pain groups. Weights for automobile driving, number of times/day in-out of vehicle, number of lifts/day, maximum weight pulled, sitting with feet on floor, and exposure to heavy vibration explained 23% of the variance between no pain and pain groups.

Development, implementation, and findings of a continuing client satisfaction survey.

Development of a client-satisfaction survey is described and details are given for sampling clients and iterating survey mailings on a monthly basis. Consent rates, response rates, confidentiality concerns, and costs are discussed on the basis of one year of data collection experience. Analyses revealed a general satisfaction factor and problem severity factor for both active and terminated clients. A factor of improvement was found for active clients. The utility of continuous monitoring of client satisfaction is discussed.

Alcohol incidence in rural drivers: characteristics of a population and clues for countermeasures.

A roadside survey operated at 42 rural sites in Vermont, U.S.A. between 10:30 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. obtained breath alcohol concentrations (BAC) from 1663 motorists. Interview data concerning biographical variables, drinking patterns, and knowledge about drinking and driving were also obtained. BACs of 0.10 or higher were found in 4.6% of this nocturnal driving population. Interview results confirmed that young male motorists are an important population-at-risk, but older male and female liquor drinkers are also prevalent. The importance of heavy and frequent beer drinking was noted, and the prevalence of a double standard with regard to beer and liquor was apparent. Intervention strategies and ideas are suggested on the basis of the data obtained in this study.

Alcohol influence on hemisphere differences and signal detection thresholds.

Six right- and six left-handed subjects were run in a repeated measures design to determine the influences of alcohol on hemiretina detection thresholds. Stimuli were presented tachistoscopically to the hemiretinae at blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of 0, 50, and 100 mg%. The nasal hemiretinae had higher thresholds than the temporal hemiretinae and this difference was independent of alcohol. Alcohol interacted with visual field and handedness. The results showed that the highest alcohol dose (100 mg%) raised detection thresholds more for the hemifield contralateral to the subject's preferred hand than the ipsilateral hemified. Results are discussed in terms of lateral dominance and attention.

Survey of pilots' attitudes and opinions about drinking and flying.

A mailed questionnaire was used to obtain biographic, attitude, and reported behavioral data from pilots with regard to consumption of alcoholic beverages and flying. A 40.8% return of 835 mailings was obtained. Only 12 pilots reported having flown after drinking. Approximately 50% of the respondents indicated it would be safe to fly within 4 h after drinking some amount of alcoholic beverage. Based upon alcohol absorption and oxidation rates, it was estimated that 27-32% of the respondents considered flying after drinking, within a time period which would result in a 15mg% BAC or higher, to be safe behavior. Discriminant analysis showed liquor consumption and opinions regarding number of mixed drinks which could safely be consumed within 1 h before flying would correctly classify 67.5% of the respondents in terms of attitude toward drinking and flying.