@article{ref1,
title="Musculoskeletal pain and reported workplace assault: a prospective study of clinical staff in nursing homes",
journal="Human factors",
year="2014",
author="Miranda, Helena and Punnett, Laura and Gore, Rebecca J.",
volume="56",
number="1",
pages="215-227",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: This study examined prospectively the effect of workplace violence on musculoskeletal symptoms among nursing home workers. <br><br>BACKGROUND: Previously we reported a cross-sectional relationship between physical assaults at work and musculoskeletal pain. This follow-up provides stronger evidence of the effect of workplace violence on musculoskeletal outcomes within the same workforce over two years. <br><br>METHOD: Nursing home workers who responded to three consecutive annual surveys formed the study cohort (n = 344). The outcomes were any musculoskeletal pain, widespread pain, pain intensity, pain interference with work and sleep, and co-occurring pain with depression. The main predictor was self-reported physical assault at work during the 3 months preceding each survey. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were assessed with log-binomial regression, adjusting for other workplace and individual factors. <br><br>RESULTS: Every fourth nursing home worker, and 34% of nursing aides, reported persistent workplace assault over the 2 years. Among respondents assaulted frequently, two thirds experienced moderate to extreme musculoskeletal pain, and more than 50% had pain interfering with work and/or sleep. Baseline exposure to assault predicted pain outcomes 1 year later. Repeated exposure was associated with a linear increase over 2 years in the risks of pain intensity, interference with work, and interference with sleep; co-occurring pain and depression had an adjusted PR of 3.6 (95% CI = 1.7-7.9). <br><br>CONCLUSION: Workplace assault, especially when repeated over time, increases the risk of pain that may jeopardize workers' ability to remain employed. APPLICATION: More effective assault prevention would protect and support the workforce needed to care for our increasing elderly and disabled population.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0018-7208",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}