1. Work-related upper extremity disorders: one-year follow-up in an occupational diseases registry.
- Author
-
Spreeuwers, D., Boer, A. G. E. M., Verbeek, J. H. A. M., Beurden, M. M., Wilde, N. S., Braam, I., Willemse, Y., Pal, T. M., and Dijk, F. J. H.
- Subjects
ARM abnormalities ,OCCUPATIONAL diseases ,QUALITY of life ,OCCUPATIONAL physicians ,THERAPEUTICS - Abstract
Purpose: To study the course and consequences of work-related upper extremity disorders in the registry of the Netherlands Centre for Occupational Diseases (NCvB). Methods: A follow-up study was performed in a sample of consecutive cases of work-related upper extremity disorders notified to the NCvB. Perceived severity was measured with VAS (0-100), quality of life with VAS (0-100) and SF-36, functional impairment with DASH and sickness absence with a questionnaire. Measurements took place directly after notification (T0) and after 3, 6 and 12 months (T1-T3). A linear mixed model was used to compare scores over time. Results: Average age of the 48 consecutive patients (89% response) was 42 years; 48% were men. Perceived severity, functional impairment and sickness absence decreased statistically significant during the follow-up period, and quality of life scores improved. Patients older than 45 years scored worse on perceived severity of the disease, functional impairment and quality of life than did younger patients. Conclusions: The role of registries of occupational diseases for preventive policy can be extended by creating longitudinal data in sample projects. In the sample from our registry, work-related upper extremity disorders had a favourable course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF