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Development and Validation of a Job Exposure Matrix for Physical Risk Factors in Low Back Pain

Author

Listed:
  • Svetlana Solovieva
  • Irmeli Pehkonen
  • Johanna Kausto
  • Helena Miranda
  • Rahman Shiri
  • Timo Kauppinen
  • Markku Heliövaara
  • Alex Burdorf
  • Kirsti Husgafvel-Pursiainen
  • Eira Viikari-Juntura

Abstract

Objectives: The aim was to construct and validate a gender-specific job exposure matrix (JEM) for physical exposures to be used in epidemiological studies of low back pain (LBP). Materials and Methods: We utilized two large Finnish population surveys, one to construct the JEM and another to test matrix validity. The exposure axis of the matrix included exposures relevant to LBP (heavy physical work, heavy lifting, awkward trunk posture and whole body vibration) and exposures that increase the biomechanical load on the low back (arm elevation) or those that in combination with other known risk factors could be related to LBP (kneeling or squatting). Job titles with similar work tasks and exposures were grouped. Exposure information was based on face-to-face interviews. Validity of the matrix was explored by comparing the JEM (group-based) binary measures with individual-based measures. The predictive validity of the matrix against LBP was evaluated by comparing the associations of the group-based (JEM) exposures with those of individual-based exposures. Results: The matrix includes 348 job titles, representing 81% of all Finnish job titles in the early 2000s. The specificity of the constructed matrix was good, especially in women. The validity measured with kappa-statistic ranged from good to poor, being fair for most exposures. In men, all group-based (JEM) exposures were statistically significantly associated with one-month prevalence of LBP. In women, four out of six group-based exposures showed an association with LBP. Conclusions: The gender-specific JEM for physical exposures showed relatively high specificity without compromising sensitivity. The matrix can therefore be considered as a valid instrument for exposure assessment in large-scale epidemiological studies, when more precise but more labour-intensive methods are not feasible. Although the matrix was based on Finnish data we foresee that it could be applicable, with some modifications, in other countries with a similar level of technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Svetlana Solovieva & Irmeli Pehkonen & Johanna Kausto & Helena Miranda & Rahman Shiri & Timo Kauppinen & Markku Heliövaara & Alex Burdorf & Kirsti Husgafvel-Pursiainen & Eira Viikari-Juntura, 2012. "Development and Validation of a Job Exposure Matrix for Physical Risk Factors in Low Back Pain," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(11), pages 1-7, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0048680
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048680
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    Cited by:

    1. Kristin Suorsa & Ville-Mikko Mattila & Tuija Leskinen & Olli J. Heinonen & Jaana Pentti & Jussi Vahtera & Sari Stenholm, 2022. "Work ability and physical fitness among aging workers: the Finnish Retirement and Aging Study," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 19(4), pages 1301-1310, December.
    2. Saana Myllyntausta & Marianna Virtanen & Jaana Pentti & Mika Kivimäki & Jussi Vahtera & Sari Stenholm, 2022. "Why do men extend their employment beyond pensionable age more often than women? a cohort study," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 19(3), pages 599-608, September.
    3. Dario Fontana & Chiara Ardito & Giuseppe Costa & Barbara Boschetto & Angelo d’Errico, 2023. "Predictive validity of an indicator of exposure to unfavorable ergonomic working conditions on work-related musculoskeletal disorders," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 57(5), pages 4545-4561, October.
    4. Svetlana Solovieva & Taina Leinonen & Kirsti Husgafvel-Pursiainen & Antti Kauhanen & Pekka Vanhala & Rita Asplund & Eira Viikari-Juntura, 2019. "Controlling for Structural Changes in the Workforce Influenced Occupational Class Differences in Disability Retirement Trends," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-15, April.
    5. Taina Leinonen & Svetlana Solovieva & Kirsti Husgafvel-Pursiainen & Mikko Laaksonen & Eira Viikari-Juntura, 2019. "Do individual and work-related factors differentiate work participation trajectories before and after vocational rehabilitation?," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(2), pages 1-19, February.
    6. Svetlana Solovieva & Tiina Pensola & Johanna Kausto & Rahman Shiri & Markku Heliövaara & Alex Burdorf & Kirsti Husgafvel-Pursiainen & Eira Viikari-Juntura, 2014. "Evaluation of the Validity of Job Exposure Matrix for Psychosocial Factors at Work," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(9), pages 1-9, September.

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