scholarly journals Development and Construct Validity of the Work Instability Scale for People With Common Mental Disorders in a Sample of Depressed and Anxious Workers: A Rasch Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 117957272093666
Author(s):  
Louise Danielsson ◽  
Robin Fornazar ◽  
Kristina Holmgren ◽  
Åsa Lundgren Nilsson ◽  
Gunnel Hensing
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Sick Leave ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Rasch Analysis ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Work Ability Index ◽  
Ability Index ◽  
Internal Construct Validity ◽  
Item Scale

Background: Sick leave due to common mental disorders, encompassing depression and anxiety disorders, is high. Capturing early signs of reduced function could aid adjustments of work tasks and environment and, thus, endorse a pro-active approach to occupational and health care interventions to prevent long-term sick-leave spells. However, few measurements exist to identify early signs of imbalance, and none that is illness-specific. The aim of this study was to develop a work instability scale for people with common mental disorders and to test the fundamental psychometric properties of the scale. Methods: Participants were working adults 18-65 years old with depression or anxiety. The scale development started with qualitative interviews (n = 27) which informed the drafting of a dichotomous, self-report questionnaire. Cognitive debriefing (n = 12) was used to check face validity and modify the draft. Internal construct validity of the draft was tested using Rasch analysis (n = 128). The work ability index was used as a comparator measure. Results: The initial 63-item draft showed poor fit to Rasch model expectations. Items displaying poor fit or local response dependency were stepwise removed, resulting in a unidimensional 34-item scale fitting the model expectations, and with no differential item functioning. Person-item threshold distribution showed that the scale is better suited to measure low to moderate work instability, than to measure high instability. Correlations between the newly developed scale and the work ability index showed a significant, moderately strong correlation. Conclusions: In the initial target sample, the 34-item scale showed acceptable fundamental properties and internal construct validity. Further validation of the scale in a larger sample, including tests for external validity, is warranted.

Work-directed rehabilitation or physical activity to support work ability and mental health in common mental disorders: a pilot randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Danielsson ◽  
Margda Waern ◽  
Gunnel Hensing ◽  
Kristina Holmgren
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Work Ability Index ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Ability Index ◽  
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To evaluate feasibility and potential effectiveness of work-directed rehabilitation in people with common mental disorders. Design: Pilot randomized controlled trial. Setting: Primary healthcare, Sweden. Subjects: Working adults ( n = 42) of mean age 46.2 ± 11.1 years with depression or anxiety disorder. Interventions: Eight weeks of work-directed rehabilitation ( n = 21) or physical activity ( n = 21). Work-directed rehabilitation included sessions with a physiotherapist and/or an occupational therapist, to develop strategies to cope better at work. Physical activity included a planning session and access to a local gym. Main measures: Feasibility: attendance, discontinuation and adverse events. Measurements were the Work Ability Index, the Global Assessment of Functioning, the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale, the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the World Health Organization—Five Well-Being Index. Results: Attendance to rehabilitation sessions was 88% ( n = 147/167) and discontinuation rate was 14% ( n = 3/21). No serious adverse events were reported. Within both groups, there was a significant improvement in Work Ability Index score (mean change: 3.6 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45, 6.7) in work-directed rehabilitation and 3.9 (95% CI: 0.9, 7.0) in physical activity) with no significant difference between groups. For the other outcomes, significant improvements were found within but not between groups. Per-protocol analysis showed a trend toward the antidepressant effect of work-directed rehabilitation compared to physical activity (mean difference in depression score −3.1 (95% CI: −6.8, 0.4), P = 0.075). Conclusion: Work-directed rehabilitation was feasible to persons with common mental disorders and improved their work ability and mental health. Comparable improvements were seen in the physical activity group. Suggested modifications for a larger trial include adding a treatment-as-usual control.

scholarly journals Do work ability and life satisfaction matter for return to work? Predictive ability of the work ability index and life satisfaction questionnaire among women with long-term musculoskeletal pain

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mamunur Rashid ◽  
Marina Heiden ◽  
Annika Nilsson ◽  
Marja-Leena Kristofferzon
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Sick Leave ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Work Ability Index ◽  
Discriminative Ability ◽  
Satisfaction Questionnaire ◽  
Ability Index

Abstract Background Impaired work ability and reduced life satisfaction due to long-term musculoskeletal pain, particularly in neck, shoulders and back, are considered occupational health problems that can result in workers taking sick leave. The aim of the study was to determine whether work ability and life satisfaction predict return to work (RTW) among women with long-term neck/shoulder and/or back pain, and to assess the ability of the Work Ability Index (WAI) and the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LiSat-11) to discriminate between those who did RTW and those who did not RTW (NRTW). Methods This is a cohort study with 1-year follow-up. A survey was sent to 600 women receiving sick leave benefits from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. In total, 208 women responded at baseline, and 141 at a 1-year follow-up. To identify whether work ability and life satisfaction predicted RTW, multiple logistic regression analyses were performed with and without adjustment for type of work and pain intensity. To assess the discriminative ability of the WAI and the LiSat-11 for women who did RTW and those who did NRTW, receiver operating characteristic curves were fitted. Results Work ability predicted RTW, and the results remained significant after adjusting for type of work and pain intensity (OR 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04–1.22). Life satisfaction was not significant. The WAI at baseline adequately discriminated between RTW and NRTW after 1 year (Area under curve 0.78, 95% CI: 0.70–0.86), but the LiSat-11 did not. Conclusions This study supports a relationship between work ability and RTW among women on sick leave for long-term neck/shoulder and/or back pain. The results indicate that the WAI, but not the LiSat-11, can discriminate between RTW and NRTW in the population under study. Although the discriminative ability of the WAI needs to be verified in new samples before it can be recommended for use in rehabilitation settings, we suggest that healthcare professionals consider how women perceive their work ability in order to better support them in their RTW.

scholarly journals Predictors of Changing Level of Work Ability Index Among Employees of Public and Industrial Sector

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (E) ◽  
pp. 367-372
Author(s):  
Hasad Imamovic ◽  
Pranjić Nurka
Keyword(s):  
Sick Leave ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Industrial Sector ◽  
Physical Endurance ◽  
Work Ability Index ◽  
The Public ◽  
Ability Index ◽  
Mental Demands

AIM: The aim of the study is to evaluate work ability index with individual and work condition factors; and comparatively evaluate the predictors of WAI levels in the field of individual and workplace factors all within the public administration sector and industrial sector employees. METHODS: The longitudinal survey included 500 respondents (the total sample = 300, response rate was 60%, and mean age 40.78) in two cohorts: 171 (57%) employees of the public administrative and health sectors (cohort 1) and 129 (43%) workers of the manufacturing sector (cohort 2). The men comprised 152 (51%) of the study population. The work ability index (WAI) questionnaire was used to evaluate the work ability and its predictors. RESULTS: Decreased level of WAI predicted among all respondents: Larger number of diseases (p < 0.001) and more days of sick leave (p < 0.001). Unexpected protectors for increased level of WAI among public service employees were: Higher mental demands of work (β = 0.220, 95%CI, 0.723–1.301, p < 0.001), as among industry sector workers higher physical demands of work (β = 0.198, 95%CI, 0.824–1.234, p < 0.001), and higher mental demands of work (β = 0.137, 95% CI, 1.888–2.050, p < 0.001), too. CONCLUSION: The determinants of WAI are mental capacity and physical endurance, and a high level of education. The number of chronic illnesses, long sick leave, lower levels of education or reduced levels of continuing lifelong education and worse self-prognosis of work over the next 2 years all significantly affect the decrease or loss of working capacity.

scholarly journals Clinical and functional aspects of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among active workers

2008 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel A P Walsh ◽  
Jorge Oishi ◽  
Helenice J C Gil Coury
Keyword(s):  
Sick Leave ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Pain Scale ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Ability To Work ◽  
Work Ability Index ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Ability Index

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate musculoskeletal disorders among active industrial workers. METHODS: The study was carried out in São Carlos, Southeastern Brazil, in 2005. One hundred and thirty-four female workers were physically evaluated and answered questions about their physical symptoms, filled out a pain scale and gave responses in the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, and the Work Ability Index questionnaire. The data were analyzed descriptively, and in correlation tests and through applying logistic regression. The outcome was evaluated in relation to the perceptions of pain, symptoms, physical assessment, ability to work and disability. RESULTS: Clinical evaluations and sick leave presented positive correlations with the subjective variables. The Work Ability Index presented a negative correlation with the physical disability index (r=-0.69). Symptoms reported at the time of the assessment presented a good correlation with the results from the pain scale and the clinical findings. Previous sick leave showed an association with disability (OR=1.13; 95% CI:1.08;1.18). CONCLUSION: Symptom reports and pain scales may be useful for assessing current conditions at the time of evaluating individuals with work-related musculoskeletal disorders, as they are easier to apply. In more severe cases of such injuries, clinical and functional evaluations and questionnaires such as those relating to ability to work and disability are preferable. Precise and specific evaluations of these disorders may contribute towards fairer legal and administrative decisions.

scholarly journals Are trajectories of neck–shoulder pain associated with sick leave and work ability in workers? A 1-year prospective study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e022006 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Michael Hallman ◽  
Andreas Holtermann ◽  
Sofie Dencker-Larsen ◽  
Marie Birk Jørgensen ◽  
Charlotte Diana Nørregaard Rasmussen
Keyword(s):  
Sick Leave ◽  
Shoulder Pain ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Repeated Measurements ◽  
Work Ability Index ◽  
Ability Index ◽  
Adjusted Model

ObjectivesThe study aimed to determine the extent to which latent trajectories of neck–shoulder pain (NSP) are associated with self-reported sick leave and work ability based on frequent repeated measures over 1 year in an occupational population.MethodsThis longitudinal study included 748 Danish workers (blue-collar, n=620; white collar, n=128). A questionnaire was administered to collect data on personal and occupational factors at baseline. Text messages were used for repeated measurements of NSP intensity (scale 0–10) over 1 year (14 waves in total). Simultaneously, self-reported sick leave (days/month) due to pain was assessed at 4-week intervals, while work ability (scale 0–10) was assessed using a single item (work ability index) at 12-week intervals over the year. Trajectories of NSP, distinguished by latent class growth analysis, were used as predictors of sick leave and work ability in generalised estimation equations with multiple adjustments.ResultsSick leave increased and work ability decreased across all NSP trajectory classes (low, moderate, strong fluctuating and severe persistent pain intensity). In the adjusted model, the estimated number of days on sick leave was 1.5 days/month for severe persistent NSP compared with 0.1 days/month for low NSP (relative risk=13.8, 95% CI 6.7 to 28.5). Similarly, work ability decreased markedly for severe persistent NSP (OR=12.9, 95% CI 8.5 to 19.7; median 7.1) compared with low NSP (median 9.5).ConclusionSevere persistent NSP was associated with sick leave and poor work ability over 1 year among workers. Preventive strategies aiming at reducing severe persistent NSP among working populations are needed.

scholarly journals A Survey of Shift Work and Work Ability Index among Nurses: A Case Study in Educational Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
LEILA IBRAHIMI GHAVAMABADI1 ◽  
BEHZAD FOULADI DEHAGHI ◽  
BEHNOUSH JAFARI
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Shift Work ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Work Ability Index ◽  
Shift Workers ◽  
Correlation Test ◽  
Ability Index

Shift work is a social phenomenon with adverse effects on the lives and health of people in various aspects. This adverse effect decreases shift workers’ ability over a time period. The aim of the present study was to survey disturbances due to shift work and some disorders associated with work ability index among nurses in educational hospitals, Ahvaz, Iran. This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 33 nurses at the Golestan Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran. The survey of shift workers questionnaire (SOS) and the Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire was used as data collection tools. The related data was analyzed based on the descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation test, and Spearman correlation test using IBM SPSS software version 19. The results showed that 97% of problems related to the effects of shift work on the individuals’ lives, families, and musculoskeletal disorders, 87.9% related to insomnia and social problems, and 75.8% related to mental disorders. Although it showed a significant relationship between the workability index with the variable of experience and mental disorders, it showed no significant relationship between the prevalence of insomnia and musculoskeletal disorders variables. The results of this study showed that shift working disrupts mental, social, and physical health that ultimately adversely affect the ability of shift workers. Therefore, it was recommended to adjust working hours and allocate the appropriate shifts to improve the workability of individuals.

Investigating the effect of noise exposure on mental disorders and the work ability index among industrial workers

2021 ◽  
pp. 095745652110526
Author(s):  
Mohammad R Monazzam Esmaielpour ◽  
Seyed A Zakerian ◽  
Milad Abbasi ◽  
Faezeh Ábbasi Balochkhaneh ◽  
Seyed Hojat Mousavi Kordmiri
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Work Ability Index ◽  
Ability Index ◽  
Distress Scale

Noise as one of the most common hazardous physical agents in the work environment causes physical and psychological problems in occupied workers. This study aims to investigate the relationship of demographic variables and noise exposure with mental disorder and work ability index in automotive industry workers. This study aims to investigate the effect of noise exposure on mental disorder and work ability index among industry workers. In this descriptive-analytic study, 325 individuals working in auto parts supplier industry who were exposed to different level of noises were investigated. Personnel’s daily exposure to noise for each group was measured based on ISO-9612 standards using calibrated sound level meter model SVANTEK-971. Workers’ mental disorder and work ability index were determined using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale questionnaire and shortened form of work ability index, respectively. Then, collected data were analyzed using SPSS-22. The mean and standard deviation of mental disorder and work ability index for all employees was 23.46 ± 3.45 and 37.43 ± 6.14, respectively. The results of one-way ANOVA and linear regression analysis showed that there is a significant association between noise exposure with mental disorder and work ability index in term of age groups, working groups, and work experience ( p-value < .05). Regardless the effect of other variables, it can be stated that for each dB increase in noise exposure cause mental disorder increase by 0.32 and work ability index decrease by 0.157. And among the demographic variables, age was the most influential parameter on mental health and work ability index. According to the results of this study, noise exposure could lead to increased psychological distress and decreased work ability index in workers. The ability to work directly and indirectly through mental disorders can be affected by exposure to industrial noise. Considering severe exposure to noise in some units and the negative impact of noise exposure on mental health and work ability index, it is necessary to improve of controlling and protective measures against noise.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document