Occupational Medicine & Health Affairs
Open Access

Abstract

Back pain is a common ergonomic problem for many people, especially among workers with physically demanding jobs such as in the construction industry. It is a prevailing health disorder that can lead to chronic pain, frequent doctor visits, medical costs, productivity loss at work, and even result in early/disability retirement and poor quality of life. Despite the significance, epidemiological research in occupational back pain can be difficult to conduct since the connection between work-related exposures and the onset of back injury or pain is complex. First, where are the data? Researchers have to identify data sources and deal with data issues, such as data confidentiality and accessibility; data validity and reliability; and representativeness and sample sizes; in particular for minority groups and smaller occupations and industry subsectors. Measuring job exposures and outcomes can also be challenging. Researchers need to determine work-relatedness, distinguish occupational exposure from non-occupational exposure, assess acute or cumulative exposures, define health outcomes, provide case definitions, and match events and denominators, etc. This presentation will discuss these issues using examples from multiple large data sources in the United States, including the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, National Health Interview Survey, Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, Health and Retirement Study, and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). Advantages and limitations for each of the data sources and research methods will also be discussed.

Biography

Xiuwen Sue Dong is Data Center Director for the Center for Construction Research and Training located in Silver Spring, Maryland. She has conducted occupational safety and health research, focusing on the construction industry. She is the author of numerous publications, including articles related to back pain in the workplace. Currently, she serves as PI for three projects funded by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. She has a Doctoral degree in Public Health and a Master’s degree in Economics.

Email: sdong@cpwr.com