Biomedical subjects

Lone Donbaek Jensen

Publications and source records attributed to Lone Donbaek Jensen.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Prevention of low back pain in female eldercare workers: randomized controlled work site trial.

STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of an ergonomic and psychosocial intervention in reducing low back pain (LBP) among health care workers. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: LBP and injuries are reported frequently among health care workers worldwide. Improvement of person-transfer techniques is the preferred tool in the prevention of both. Although popular, to our knowledge, any effect has not been documented in controlled trials. METHODS: Study participants were eldercare workers from 19 eldercare groups randomly assigned to the transfer technique, stress management, or reference arm. A total of 163 individuals (79% of the source population) participated in both baseline and follow-up after 2 years. Outcome was intra-individual change in rating of LBP during the past 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: We found no difference in LBP in any of the intervention arms over the study period. CONCLUSION: The study showed no effect of a transfer technique or stress management program targeting LBP. Thus, there is a need for discussing other priorities in the prevention of LBP among health care workers.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Occupational disorders and return to work: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Goal setting and motivational factors are strongly associated with maintaining a job and return to work after sick leave, but research into the effects of interventions targeting these factors is limited. We conducted a randomized controlled study to examine the vocational effect of intervention focusing on motivation, goal setting and planning for return to work. DESIGN AND METHODS: Of 243 patients at risk of long-term sick leave or job dropout, 184 (76%) provided complete baseline information for the study. After randomization to an intervention group (n=92) and a reference group (n=92), occupational physicians examined the participants in accordance with standard guidelines. The intervention group received additional support from a social worker in order to enhance goal setting, motivation and planning for return to work. After 1 year 163 participants (89%) provided data on general health and employment status. The risk of not being gainfully employed was analysed by logistic regression analysis with adjustment for several covariates. RESULTS: The intervention did not increase the likelihood of gainful employment after 1 year or reduce the average number of days of sick leave. CONCLUSION: A low-cost counselling program addressing motivation, goal setting and planning for return to work did not improve vocational outcomes or reduce sick leave among patients with work-related disorders.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Endotoxins isolated from the air of a Danish paper mill and the relation to change in lung function: an 11-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: A decline in lung function has been associated with farming, cotton spinning, and work in the animal feed industry. The aim of the study was to reveal if loss of lung function was associated to work at a paper mill. METHODS: Ninety-seven male paper workers (PW), and 55 control workers were examined. Hygiene samples included total dust, endotoxins, and microorganisms. Interview, pulmonary function testing, and skin prick test (SPT) were performed and yearly decline in lung function was calculated. RESULTS: The exposure for endotoxin (LPS) ranged from Median (Max-Min) 69 (370-6) EU/m3, in the wet-end of the paper machines to 6 (19-16) in the pulping area. The lung function decline among the controls was comparable to the decrements among the maintenance and repair workers at the paper factory, around 51-54 and 37-38 ml/year among smokers' and non-smokers, respectively. After adjustment for baseline FEV1, the variables associated to an increased loss of FEV1 were age smoking and cough. For FVC we found an inverse relation between exposure and yearly decline. CONCLUSION: No increase in loss of lung function is seen among workers exposed to up to 200 EU/m3 of LPS.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗