Korean J Occup Environ Med.  2003 Jun;15(2):140-149.

Pain Related Factors in Upper Extremities Among Hospital Workers Using Video Display Terminals

• Kim HR
• Won JU
• Song JS
• Kim CN
• Kim HS
• Roh J

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study was designed to quantify symptoms in the upper extremities and to identify the pain related factors among hospital workers using video display terminals.
METHODS
The subject-group consisted of 138 employees working at a hospital using video display terminals. A structured questionnaire was used to estimate the participants' general characteristics, and job contents. Job stress was measured using Karaseks JCQ(Job Content Questionnaire). Pain in the upper extremities was identified according to the NIOSH symptoms survey criteria. Quantification was measured using Kim Chul's method. Pearson's Correlation analysis was used to identify validity in quantification. VAS(visual analog scale) was used to compare with this method. Multiple regression analyses elucidated the relationship between quantified pain and various work factors, such as job stress. Data were analysed with SAS 6.12 program.
RESULTS
First, in quantification using Kim Chul's method, the correlation between modified PRS(pain rating score) and VAS was extremely high by 0.60(P<0.01), indicating the high validity of PRS. Second, the groups of high job demand, high job control, and females were related to an increased pain level.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the self pain assessment method, PRS, is valuable and useful in analyzing occupational musculoskeletal symptoms. High demand, job control and gender may influence the levels of pain. Prospective studies about musculoskeletal disorder are required.

Keyword

Quantification; musculoskeletal disorder; Video Display Terminals

MeSH Terms

Computer Terminals*
Female
Humans
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (U.S.)
Pain Measurement
Questionnaires
Upper Extremity*