Effects of work ability and health promoting interventions for women with musculoskeletal symptoms: a 9-month prospective study.
BACKGROUND
Women working in the public human service sector in 'overstrained' situations run the risk of musculoskeletal symptoms and long-term sick leave. In order to maintain the level of health and work ability and strengthen the potential resources for health, it is important that employees gain greater control over decisions and actions affecting their health--a process associated with the concept of self-efficacy. The aim of this study was to describe the effects of a self-efficacy intervention and an ergonomic education intervention for women with musculoskeletal symptoms, employed in the public sector.


METHODS
The design of the study was a 9-month prospective study describing the effects of two interventions, a comprehensive self-efficacy intervention (n = 21) and an ergonomic education intervention (n = 21). Data were obtained by a self-report questionnaire on health- and work ability-related factors at baseline, and at ten weeks and nine months follow-up. Within-group differences over time were analysed.


RESULTS
Over the time period studied there were small magnitudes of improvements within each group. Within the self-efficacy intervention group positive effects in perceived work ability were shown. The ergonomic education group showed increased positive beliefs about future work ability and a more frequent use of pain coping strategies.


CONCLUSIONS
Both interventions showed positive effects on women with musculoskeletal symptoms, but in different ways. Future research in this area should tailor interventions to participants' motivation and readiness to change.
Larsson
Agneta
A
Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden. Agneta.Larsson@ltu.se
Karlqvist
Lena
L
Gard
Gunvor
G
D001294:Attitude to Health; D006804:Ergonomics; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012650:Self Disclosure; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation; D017132:Workplace