Birgitta Wiitavaara

How well do questionnaires on symptoms in neck-shoulder disorders capture the experiences of those who suffer from neck-shoulder disorders? A content analysis of questionnaires and interviews

BackgroundPrevious research has indicated neck-shoulder disorders to have a fluctuating course incorporating a variety of symptoms. These findings awoke our interest to make a comparison between symptoms experienced by people affected with the disorder and the content of questionnaires that assess pain and other symptoms in neck-shoulder disorders. Thus the aims of this study were: -to explore the symptoms experienced by people with non-specific neck-shoulder problems, as well as experiences of nuances and temporal variations (fluctuations) of symptoms; -to investigate which sources were used in the development of ten questionnaires for assessing pain and other symptoms in the neck-shoulder; -to analyse the item content of the questionnaires; -to analyse the correspondence between the item content of the questionnaires and the symptoms described by the informants.MethodsContent analysis of interviews with 40 people with non-specific neck-shoulder pain, and 10 questionnaires used to assess pain and other symptoms in neck-shoulder disorders.ResultsThe interviews revealed a variety of symptoms indicating a bodily, mental/cognitive, and emotional engagement, and more general and severe symptoms than are usually considered in neck-shoulder questionnaires. Taking all questionnaires together many of the symptoms were considered, but most questionnaires only included a few of them. The informants were able to distinguish fluctuation of symptoms, and a variety of different qualities which were not usually considered in the questionnaires. Only two questionnaires had made use of the opinions of affected people in the development.ConclusionFew of the questionnaires had made use of the experiences of affected people in the development. The correspondence between the symptoms expressed by those affected and the content of the questionnaires was low. A variety of symptoms were expressed by the interviewees, and the participants were also able to distinguish nuances and fluctuations of symptoms. The present study points to the importance of other aspects than just pain and physical functioning as clinical trial outcome measures related to neck-shoulder disorders. To develop a condition-specific questionnaire, it is important to decide on the specific symptoms for the condition. Using the experiences of those affected, in combination with relevant research and professional knowledge, can enhance the validity of the questionnaires.

When the body makes itself heard – The experience of bodily illness among people with neck–shoulder problems

The aim of this study was to explore the experience of bodily illness among people with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the neck/shoulder region. The study had a grounded theory approach, with constant comparisons and simultaneous data collection and analysis. Initially, parts of interviews about health experiences related to MSDs previously performed among men and women with musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck/shoulder and/or back were analysed. Next, complementary semi-structured interviews among men and women with neck/shoulder problems were performed, focusing on the experience of bodily illness, until saturation was reached. The results describe the experiences of bodily illness among people with MSDs in the neck/shoulder region as being characterized by uncontrollable fluctuations. The experiences are presented as a model of the disease course as experienced by the affected. The process usually developed from a beginning with insidious symptoms to a state of constant discomfort. Along the line of this development, periods of intermittent events of increasing illness occurred with peaks of consuming intensity. A variety of different symptoms was present during the process, which are presented in this paper. An increased knowledge of the disease course can be useful in prevention and treatment as communication about the disorder can be more specific.

Well, I'm healthy, but…--lay perspectives on health among people with musculoskeletal disorders.

Abstract Purpose: The purpose was to investigate lay perspectives on health among people with musculoskeletal disorders. Method: Semi-structured interviews were performed with 39 women and 30 men, (aged 22–63 years) with long-term, non-specific musculoskeletal disorders in the neck, shoulder and/or low back. Data was analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: These people experienced health as “having resources and opportunities to lead the life one wants”. Three categories, “a good enough physical and psychological functioning, freedom of action, and a positive state of emotion and an enriching life”, illustrate the different resources and opportunities that the informants described as important for them to perceive themselves as healthy. The informants also reflected on “being ill” and “being well” and what makes the difference. Five aspects influenced the dynamics of their health experiences: “body and soul, prognosis, character of symptoms, physical and social activity, and emotional state”. Consequently, the informants expressed a holistic view of health, where the focus lies on the opportunity and the ability to lead their lives the way they want. Conclusions: This study points at the value of taking lay perspectives on health into account, as it might increase the opportunity to design effective, personalized rehabilitation strategies. Implications for Rehabilitation Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are difficult to cure and actions to alleviate suffering are of most importance to increase wellbeing and thereby work ability. Research on lay perspectives can contribute towards a deepened understanding of the health experiences of the affected, and thereby the development of the goals and activities of rehabilitation. Our models, that present the view of health and aspects important for achieving wellness among people with MSDs, can contribute in the development of multimodal rehabilitation. The results can also be useful as a base in the evaluation of clinical practice.

Content and psychometric evaluations of questionnaires for assessing physical function in people with neck disorders: a systematic review of the literature

Abstract Purpose: The purpose was to investigate how physical function is assessed in people with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in the neck. Specifically, we aimed to determine: (1) Which questionnaires are used to assess physical function in people with MSD in the neck? (2) What do those questionnaires measure? (3) What are the measurement properties of the questionnaires? Materials and methods: A systematic review was performed to identify questionnaires and psychometric evaluations. The content of the questionnaires was categorized according to the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health, and the psychometric properties were quality-rated using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments checklist. Results: Ten questionnaires and 32 articles evaluating measurement properties were analyzed. Most questionnaires covered only the components body functions and activity and participation, more often activity participation than body function. Internal consistency was adequate in most questionnaires, whereas responsiveness was generally low. Neck Disability Index was most evaluated, but the evaluations of all questionnaires tended to cover most properties in the checklist. Conclusions: The questionnaires differed substantially in items and extent to which their psychometric properties had been evaluated. Focus of measurement was on activities in daily life rather than physical function as such. Implications for Rehabilitation To provide early diagnostics and effective treatment for patients with neck disorders, valid and reliable instruments that measure relevant aspects of the disorders are needed. This paper presents an overview of content and quality of questionnaires used to assess physical function in neck disorders, which may facilitate informed decisions about which measurement instruments to use when evaluating the course of neck disorders. Most of the questionnaires need more testing to judge the quality, however the NDI was the most frequently tested questionnaire. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments checklist is a useful tool in relation to psychometric testing of questionnaires, but clear definitions of interpretation of the quality criteria in each study would enhance comparability of results.

Telecommuting in Academia – Associations with Staff’s Health and Well-Being

The ability to telecommute has changed working life for staff at universities and colleges. Although the opportunity to work away from the office at any time gives workers more freedom to manage their work, it also imposes higher demands on workers to set limits to their work. The aim of this ongoing study is to determine if there is an optimal amount of telecommuting for male and female academics with respect to perceived health, work stress, recovery, work-life balance, and work motivation. A web-based survey is currently being conducted among lecturers and professors at Swedish universities and colleges. Results so far show that perceived fatigue and stress associated with indistinct organization and conflicts are higher among academics that telecommute to a larger extent. The results also show that female academics are more fatigued and stressed at work than male academics, but this does not seem to be related to the extent of telecommuting performed.

An initial factor analysis of prominent aspects of health experiences for women with neck-shoulder pain

Purpose: The prospect of adequate comparisons is essential to decide on the effectiveness of different treatments. As there is a lack of unity in choice of questionnaires and included measures concerning musculoskeletal disorders, further investigations based on international recommendations are of interest. The intention of present study was to initiate the development of a clinically useful short-form questionnaire. The aim was to select items that capture prominent health aspects for women with neck-shoulder pain and thereby reduce the number of items to a clinically more convenient amount, and to determine the underlying structure of included items. Method: Data were collected in a randomised controlled trial including women with non-specific neck-shoulder pain >3 months (n = 117). Data collection included three core domains: pain intensity, physical and emotional functioning, and analysis was performed using Principal component analysis, and Varimax rotation. Results: The resulting 9-factor solution included interference, solicitous/distracting responses, mood and feelings about self and relations, pain intensity, punishing responses, personal growth, life control, sleep, and appetite (29 items). Conclusions: The results will contribute to the development of a reduced battery of questions representing core dimensions. Such questionnaire would lighten the assessment load in the clinic as well as in research. Implications for Rehabilitation Despite the call for multidimensional evaluation of MSDs, measurement is often reduced to pain and disability. A lack of unity in choice of outcome measures limits the possibilities for comparisons and hinders the development of effective treatment methods. International recommendations regarding outcome measures can serve to unify evaluation. This study presents the first step in the development of a short-form questionnaire for evaluation of neck-shoulder pain, based on international recommendations for clinical evaluation of pain conditions