Showing papers by "Rahman Shiri published in 2009"

Physical work load factors and carpal tunnel syndrome: a population-based study.

Abstract: Objective: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common nerve entrapment syndrome. Studies on selected occupational populations suggest an association of CTS with forceful repetitive work and vibration. Only few population-based studies have addressed the role of physical load factors in CTS. The aim of this study was to investigate the relations between exposures to a single or a combination of physical work load factors and CTS. Methods: The target population consisted of people aged 30 years or older residing in Finland during 2000–2001. Of the 7977 eligible subjects, 6254 (78.4%) were included in the study. Occupational physical load factors were assessed by interview and CTS by physical examination. Results: The prevalence of possible or probable CTS was 2.1% in men and 5.3% in women. Work tasks with vibrating tools (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.9, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.9) and handgrip with high forces (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.5) were related to an increased prevalence of CTS. There were joint effects between work tasks requiring handgrip with high forces and the use of vibrating tools (adjusted OR 3.3, 95% CI 2.0 to 5.4), between forceful activities (handgrip with high forces or handling of loads) and repetitive movements of the hands (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.9), and between repetitive movements of the hands and the use of vibrating tools (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.6 to 4.8). Only exposure in the most recent job was associated with CTS. Conclusions: Work tasks demanding handgrip with high forces or the use of vibrating tools are associated with CTS. The association is stronger if these work tasks are accompanied by repetitive movements of the hand or wrist.

Self-reported productivity loss among workers with upper extremity disorders.

Abstract: Objective Upper extremity disorders (UED) are prevalent in working populations This study investigates the prevalence, magnitude, and associated factors of on-the-job productivity loss among workers with UED Methods Workers with incipient upper extremity symptoms were invited to participate in our study after the disorder was verified by a physician and no immediate sick leave was required Of the 177 eligible patients, 168 (95%) were included in the study They were asked to describe their symptoms, personal characteristics, and work-related factors Self-assessed productivity measured the impact of UED on the achieved work output Results Of the 168 participants, 56% reported a productivity loss; the average reduction thereof was 34% Productivity loss was associated with pain intensity [odds ratio (OR) for the third tertile 28, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 12–65], pain interference with work (OR for the third tertile 57, 95% CI 22–143) and fear-avoidance beliefs (OR 28, 95% CI 09–89) Pain interference with sleep was associated with productivity loss only among those aged 46 years or older, whereas high job strain showed an association with productivity loss only among workers aged 20–45 years In the younger group, productivity loss was more associated with a combination of any two of the following three factors than the presence of only one: pain intensity, job strain, and physical loads at work Conclusions UED cause substantial loss of productivity at work The most important associated factors are related to pain and its impact on work and sleep, but also to psychological aspects of pain and work Our findings suggest that the factors associated with productivity loss differ in younger and older workers