OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in university hospital healthcare workers and to evaluate the job-related factors that affect musculoskeletal symptoms. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to health care workers who work at the university hospital. The self-reported questionnaire included the following information: general characteristics, health behaviors, job-related factors, depression symptom, ergonomic factor, job stress, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Ergonomic factor was measured by ANSI Z-365, depression symptom by CES-D, job stress by KOSS-26 and musculoskeletal symptoms by NIOSH questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 1,198(64.2%) of 1,842 respondents answered and 1,183 were included in the final study population. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was 53.3%. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms of males and females was 25.6% and 63.9%, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, total job stress score(OR=3.05, 95% CI=1.62~5.74), depression symptom(OR=2.18, 95% CI=1.07~4.43), ANSI Z-365 high risk group(OR=5.33, 95% CI=2.08~13.66) in males and total job stress score(OR=2.14, 95% CI=1.53~3.00), three-shift work(OR=1.81, 95% CI=1.26~2.60), nurses(OR=1.82, 95% CI=1.22~2.73), and ANSI Z-365 high risk group(OR=3.33, 95% CI=1.58~7.03) in females were significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Shift work, nurses, ANSI Z-365 high risk group, depression symptom and job stress were related with musculoskeletal symptoms. In order to prevent musculoskeletal disorders, ergonomic improvements and stress reduction are required.
Data Collection ; Delivery of Health Care ; Depression ; Female ; Health Behavior ; Humans ; Male ; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (U.S.) ; Prevalence ; Questionnaires

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the job stress level of post-graduate students in schools of natural sciences and engineering in order to evaluate the relationship between temperament, character and job stress. METHODS: All the 254 subjects were interviewed by means of a structured questionnaire, KOSS-SF and TCI-RS. Among them, only 220 were eligible for analysis. Statistical methods used included chi-square test, independent t-test, Mann Whitney test, ANOVA test, correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis with PASW ver.18. RESULTS: Age, degree course, working hours per week, work tenure, smoking habits, exercise, and disease history were associated with job stress and hours worked per week, smoking being associated with TCI-RS subscales. For job demand, interpersonal conflict scores were higher than Korean standard. In multiple linear regression analyses, R2 scores of temperament subscales on job stress were 0.099~0.312 and those of character subscales on job stress were 0.056~0.249. CONCLUSIONS: Job stress was associated with the unique traits of individuals, temperament and character. In order to manage job stress, the personality, as well as work environment, was found to be important considerations.
Humans ; Linear Models ; Natural Science Disciplines ; Questionnaires ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Temperament