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

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