title: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are associated with impaired presenteeism in allied health care professionals.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this research was to determine the impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) on presenteeism in allied health care professionals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected via postal questionnaires. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders were assessed using an established instrument and case definition. Data on presenteeism were collected with the Stanford Presenteeism Scale (13-item version). The association between WMSD and presenteeism was assessed with a Mann-Whitney U test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The response rate was 76%. About 48% of therapists reported WMSD in the past 4 weeks (n = 712). Moderate WMSD were associated with higher levels of presenteeism than minor WMSD. Both work impairment and work output were affected by WMSD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Work-related musculoskeletal disorders may impact presenteeism in these populations. Costs associated with presenteeism due to WMDS may be substantial.
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Natural Sciences, Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522, USA. mcampo@mercy.edu
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Campo
authors.forename: Amy R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Darragh
mesh_terms: D000041:Absenteeism; D000328:Adult; D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires