NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

Evaluation of symptom surveys for occupational musculoskeletal disorders.

Authors
Baron S; Hales T; Hurrell J
Source
Am J Ind Med 1996 Jun; 29(6):609-617
NIOSHTIC No.
00233104
Abstract
The usefulness of two symptom surveys was evaluated through a review of the literature on the acceptability, validity, and reliability of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and by presenting new analyses which assess the validity and reliability of the NIOSH symptom survey. The goal of the NMQ was to be a simple standardized questionnaire that could be used as a screening method for musculoskeletal disorders as part of ergonomic programs and epidemiologic studies of musculoskeletal disorders. The NIOSH symptom survey uses a similar body part diagram as the NMQ, but adds a series of questions to determine the severity of discomfort by quantifying the frequency, duration, and intensity of symptoms for each body part area using a scaled response. Reliability was assessed through test retest methods and inter item correlations between similar questions. Validity was assessed by comparison with results from physical examination assessments of workers and self reports of workers seeking medical care. The evaluation of the validity of both these symptom surveys focused on evidence for a relationship between reports of discomfort and other objective measures of impairment, such as physical examination maneuvers. Both reliability and validity were acceptable for the purposes of workplace ergonomics programs. Implications for use of these surveys for prevention and treatment outcomes research are discussed.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; Musculoskeletal-system-disorders; Worker-health; Ergonomics; Risk-factors; Muscle-function; Muscle-stress; Medical-treatment; Epidemiology; Medical-surveys; Questionnaires
CODEN
AJIMD8
Publication Date
19960601
Document Type
Journal Article
Fiscal Year
1996
Issue of Publication
6
ISSN
0271-3586
NIOSH Division
DSHEFS
Source Name
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
State
OH
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division