Maria Agaliotis1, Martin G Mackey, Robert Heard, Stephen Jan, Marlene Fransen. 1. School of Public Health & Community Medicine, University of New South Wales (Dr Agaliotis); Physiotherapy, Ageing, Work and Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences (Dr Mackey), and Behavioural and Social Sciences in Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney (Dr Heard); The George Institute for Global Health Australia (Dr Jan); and Physiotherapy, Clinical and Rehabilitation Sciences Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Dr Fransen).
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore personal and workplace environmental factors as predictors of reduced worker productivity among older workers with chronic knee pain. METHODS: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 129 older workers who had participated in a randomized clinical trial evaluating dietary supplements. Multivariable analyses were used to explore predictors of reduced work productivity among older workers with chronic knee pain. RESULTS: The likelihood of presenteeism was higher in those reporting knee pain (≥3/10) or problems with other joints, and lower in those reporting job insecurity. The likelihood of work transitions was higher in people reporting knee pain (≥3/10), a high comorbidity score or low coworker support, and lower in those having an occupation involving sitting more than 30% of the day. CONCLUSION: Allowing access to sitting and promoting positive affiliations between coworkers are likely to provide an enabling workplace environment for older workers with chronic knee pain.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore personal and workplace environmental factors as predictors of reduced worker productivity among older workers with chronic knee pain. METHODS: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 129 older workers who had participated in a randomized clinical trial evaluating dietary supplements. Multivariable analyses were used to explore predictors of reduced work productivity among older workers with chronic knee pain. RESULTS: The likelihood of presenteeism was higher in those reporting knee pain (≥3/10) or problems with other joints, and lower in those reporting job insecurity. The likelihood of work transitions was higher in people reporting knee pain (≥3/10), a high comorbidity score or low coworker support, and lower in those having an occupation involving sitting more than 30% of the day. CONCLUSION: Allowing access to sitting and promoting positive affiliations between coworkers are likely to provide an enabling workplace environment for older workers with chronic knee pain.