[The FECYT seal of quality, a recognition and a stimulus for Archivos]. / El sello de calidad FECYT, un reconocimiento y un estímulo para Archivos.

Un año más, mediante esta nota editorial, damos cuenta de las estadísticas y los principales avances de nuestra revista. En cuanto a las estadísticas editoriales, que se detallan en los apartados posteriores, podemos afirmar que son las de una revista consolidada: flujo nutrido y constante de trabajos recibidos/publicados, tasas de aceptación y rechazo proporcionadas, tiempos de gestión razonables y diversidad en las autorías. El logro más destacable del 2023 fue superar con éxito el proceso de evaluación de la Octava edición de Evaluación de la calidad editorial y científica de las revistas científicas españolas, comúnmente conocido como 'Sello FECYT'….

El sello de calidad FECYT, un reconocimiento y un estímulo para Archivos / The FECYT seal of quality, a recognition and a stimulus for Archivos

Un año más, mediante esta nota editorial, damos cuenta de los principales avan-ces de nuestra revista y las estadísticas editoriales.En cuanto a las estadísticas editoriales, que se detallan en los apartados poste-riores, podemos afirmar que son las de una revista consolidada: flujo nutrido y constante de trabajos recibidos/publicados, tasas de aceptación y rechazo pro-porcionadas, tiempos de gestión razonables y diversidad en las autorías.El logro más destacable del 2023 fue superar con éxito el proceso de evaluación de la Octava edición de Evaluación de la calidad editorial y científica de las revistas científicas españolas, comúnmente conocido como ‘Sello FECYT’.El Sello de Calidad FECYT (Figura 1) identifica a aquellas publicaciones científicas que cumplen unos requisitos de profesionalización internacionalmente reconoci-dos. Gracias a este distintivo, muchas revistas científicas se han posicionado de manera importante en el ámbito nacional e internacional Este reconocimiento lo otorga la FECYT por un periodo de un año desde la resolu-ción definitiva, y la evaluación para su renovación se realizará de oficio por parte de la Fundación una vez finalizado dicho periodo (AU)

[Archivos, positioned on the road to impact]. / Archivos, posicionada en la senda del impacto.

Con este bagaje, comenzamos 2023, un año en el que nuestra revista cumple un cuarto de siglo llevando a cabo la misión para la que fue concebida, misión que los distintos comités editoriales que hemos participado consideramos un acierto: contribuir a la transferencia de conocimiento útil para avanzar en la mejora de la salud de las personas trabajadoras.

Archivos, posicionada en la senda del impacto / Archivos, positioned on the road to impact

Con este bagaje, comenzamos 2023, un año en el que nuestra revista cumple un cuarto de siglo llevando a cabo la misión para la que fue concebida, misión que los distintos comités editoriales que hemos participado consideramos un acierto: contribuir a la transferencia de conocimiento útil para avanzar en la mejora de la salud de las personas trabajadoras (AU)

Evidence needs, training demands, and opportunities for knowledge translation in social security and insurance medicine: A European survey.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a European survey of the evidence needs and training demands of insurance medicine professionals related to professional tasks and evidence-based practice. DESIGN: International survey. SUBJECTS: Professionals working in insurance medicine. METHODS: Experts designed an online questionnaire including 26 questions related to 4 themes: evidence needs; training demands; evidence-seeking behaviour; and attitudes towards evidence-based medicine. Descriptive statistics were presented by country/conference and the total sample. RESULTS: A total of 782 participants responded. Three-quarter of participants experienced evidence needs at least once a week, related to mental disorders (79%), musculoskeletal disorders (67%) and occupational health (65%). Guidelines (76%) and systematic reviews (60%) were the preferred types of evidence and were requested for assessment of work capacity (64%) and prognosis of return-to-work (51%). Evidence-based medicine was thought to facilitate decision-making in insurance medicine (95%). Fifty-two percent of participants felt comfortable finding, reading, interpreting, and applying evidence. Countries expressed similar needs for reviews on typical topics. CONCLUSION: This study reveals evidence gaps in key areas of insurance medicine, supporting the need for further research, guidelines and training in evidence-based insurance medicine. Importantly, insurance medicine professionals should recognize that evidence-based practice is crucial in producing high-quality assessments.

Prevention and management of musculoskeletal pain in nursing staff by a multifaceted intervention in the workplace: design of a cluster randomized controlled trial with effectiveness, process and economic evaluation (INTEVAL_Spain).

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is the leading cause of years lived with disability. In consequence, to reduce MSP and its associated sickness absence is a major challenge. Previous interventions have been developed to reduce MSP and improve return to work of workers with MSP, but combined approaches and exhaustive evaluation are needed. The objective of the INTEVAL_Spain project is to evaluate the effectiveness of a multifaceted intervention in the workplace to prevent and manage MSP in nursing staff. METHODS: The study is designed as a two-armed cluster randomized controlled trial with a late intervention control group. The hospital units are the clusters of randomization and participants are nurses and aides. An evidence-based multi-component intervention was designed combining participatory ergonomics, case management and health promotion. Both the intervention and the control groups receive occupational health care as usual. Data are collected at baseline, and after six and 12 months. The primary outcomes are prevalence of MSP and incidence and duration of sickness absence due to MSP. Secondary outcomes are work role functioning and organizational preventive culture. The intervention process will be assessed through quantitative indicators of recruitment, context, reach, dose supplied, dose received, fidelity and satisfaction, and qualitative approaches including discussion groups of participants and experts. The economic evaluation will include cost-effectiveness and cost-utility, calculated from the societal and the National Health System perspectives. DISCUSSION: Workplace health programs are one of the best options for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. The main feature of this study is its multifaceted, multidisciplinary and de-medicalized intervention, which encompasses three evidence-based interventions and covers all three levels of prevention, which have not been previously unified in a single intervention. Also, it includes a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the intervention process, health results, and economic impact. This study could open the possibility of a new paradigm for the prevention and management of MSP and associated sickness absence approach at the workplace. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN15780649 Retrospectively registered 13th July 2018.

Influence of paid maternity leave on return to work after childbirth.

BACKGROUND: Paid maternity leave (ML) has been associated with better health outcomes in mothers and newborns. However, its protective role in mothers' employment after childbirth remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between paid ML and being employed 1-year after childbirth. METHODS: As part of the INfancia y Medio Ambiente (INMA) cohort study, 507 Spanish women employed at 12th week of pregnancy, were asked about their employment status and job characteristics at 32nd week of pregnancy. One year after childbirth, they were re-interviewed about their employment status and if they had taken paid ML. Incidence of maternal employment 1-year after childbirth was estimated. Crude and adjusted associations with paid ML were assessed by logistic regression, and characterized by odds ratios (ORs) with associated 95% CIs. RESULTS: Information was obtained from 398 women. Of those, 290 (72.9%) were employed 1-year after childbirth. Incidence of maternal employment was lower for those who: i) didn't take paid ML, ii) were younger than 27 years; iii) had temporary contract, iv) had part-time jobs, v) reported less-favoured familiar social class, and vi) left the job before 32 weeks of pregnancy. Being employed 1-year after childbirth was more common in those who took paid ML (OR 2.7, 95%CI 1.6-4.5), also after adjusting for staying at work until advanced stages of pregnancy (OR 1.8, 95%CI 1.0-3.1). CONCLUSIONS: Taking paid ML seems to be associated with higher maternal employment rates 1-year after childbirth. Therefore, our findings suggest that protection of maternity might positively influence women's labour market participation after childbirth.

Artritis séptica tras ligamentoplastia artroscópica de la rodilla: análisis retrospectivo de casos / Septic arthritis following arthroscopic reconstruction of cruciate ligaments of the knee: retrospective case review

INTRODUCCIÓN: La rotura de los ligamentos cruzados de la rodilla es frecuente y se repara mediante ligamentoplastia artroscópica. Entre sus complicaciones está la artritis séptica. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir las características clínicas y microbiológicas de esta entidad. MÉTODOS: Revisión retrospectiva de casos de artritis séptica tras ligamentoplastia de rodilla ocurridos en una institución durante los años 2000-2015. Según los días transcurridos desde la ligamentoplastia, la infección se consideró aguda (< 14 días), subaguda (> 14 días y < 30 días) o tardía (> 30 días). Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y comparativo, estratificado según el tipo de infección y microorganismo causante. RESULTADOS: Se intervinieron 3.219 pacientes; 30 (0,9%) desarrollaron artritis séptica. Diecisiete (57%) infecciones fueron agudas, 12 (40%) subagudas y una tardía. Los microorganismos causantes fueron Staphylococcus coagulasa-negativos (n = 13; 43%), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 12; 40%), otros cocos grampositivos (n = 3; 10%) y bacilos gramnegativos (n = 2; 7%). Se realizó desbridamiento artroscópico en todos los casos; en ninguno fue necesario retirar la plastia. Los pacientes recibieron tratamiento antibiótico durante una mediana de 23,5 días (rango, 14 - 78 días); todas las infecciones se curaron. No se evidenciaron diferencias significativas en ninguna de las variables analizadas entre el tipo de infección o el microorganismo responsable. CONCLUSIONES: La artritis séptica es una complicación poco frecuente de la ligamentoplastia de rodilla. Se manifiesta generalmente dentro de las 4 semanas después de la cirugía y está causada por Staphylococcus. El tratamiento consiste en desbridamiento artroscópico precoz (pudiendo no ser necesario retirar la plastia) y antibioterapia

INTRODUCTION: Rupture of cruciate ligaments of the knee is a common injury that is repaired by arthroscopic reconstruction, which can give rise to septic arthritis. The objective of this article is to describe the clinical and microbiological aspects of this entity. METHODS: Retrospective review of cases of septic arthritis following arthroscopic reconstruction of cruciate ligaments of the knee that occurred at a single institution from 2000-2015. According to time elapsed from surgery, infections were classified as acute (< 14 days), subacute (> 14 days and < 30 days), and late (> 30 days). A descriptive and comparative analysis stratified by type of infection and causative microorganism was performed. RESULTS: 3,219 patients underwent arthroscopic reconstruction of cruciate ligaments of the knee and 30 (0.9%) developed septic arthritis. Seventeen (57%) were acute infections and 12 (40%) subacute; there was one late infection. The causative microorganisms were coagulase-negative Staphylococci (n = 13; 43%), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 12; 40%), other grampositive cocci (n = 3; 10%), and gramnegative bacilli (n = 2; 7%). All patients underwent arthroscopic debridement; no grafts were removed. All patients received antibiotic therapy for a median of 23.5 days (range: 14 - 78 days); all infections were cured. No significant differences were found in any of the variables analysed among the infection type or the causative microorganism. CONCLUSIONS: Septic arthritis after arthroscopic reconstruction of cruciate ligaments of the knee is uncommon. It generally presents within 4 weeks of surgery and is caused by Staphylococci. Its treatment consists of arthroscopic debridement (without necessarily removing the graft) and antibiotic therapy

Evaluating sickness absence duration by musculoskeletal and mental health issues: a retrospective cohort study of Scottish healthcare workers.

OBJECTIVES: Sickness absence (SA) among healthcare workers is associated with occupational and non-occupational risk factors and impacts employee health, healthcare delivery and patient health. At the same time, healthcare is one of the employment sectors with the highest rates of work-related ill health in the UK. Musculoskeletal (MSK) and mental health (MH) issues are leading causes of SA, but there is a lack of research on how certain MSK/MH conditions impact on SA duration. The study aim is to determine differences in SA duration by MH and MSK disorders in healthcare employees. METHODS: Survival analyses were used to estimate SA duration due to MSK and MH problems over 6 years, and Cox's proportional hazards models to determine the HRs of returning to work, using a bespoke Scottish health board database with over 53 000 SA events. SA duration and time to return-to-work (RTW) were estimated for employees by age, gender, job and health conditions. RESULTS: MSK and MH conditions accounted for 27% and 6% of all SA events and 23.7% and 19.5% of all days lost, respectively. Average SA duration was 43.5 days for MSK and 53.9 days for MH conditions. For MSK conditions, employees with low back or neck pain had the fastest RTW (median P50: 7 days), whereas employees absent due to depression took the longest (P50: 54 days). The most influential sociodemographic variables affecting RTW were age, gender and job category. CONCLUSIONS: Using a unique and rich database, we found significant differences in SA duration by presenting condition in healthcare workers. MH conditions, and depression specifically, accounted for the most working days' absence. Significant variations in duration were also observed for MSK conditions. Our findings can inform public health practitioners and healthcare managers of the most significant factors impacting MSK-related and MH-related SA to develop and implement tailored and targeted workplace interventions.

Septic arthritis following arthroscopic reconstruction of cruciate ligaments of the knee: retrospective case review. / Artritis séptica tras ligamentoplastia artroscópica de la rodilla: análisis retrospectivo de casos.

INTRODUCTION: Rupture of cruciate ligaments of the knee is a common injury that is repaired by arthroscopic reconstruction, which can give rise to septic arthritis. The objective of this article is to describe the clinical and microbiological aspects of this entity. METHODS: Retrospective review of cases of septic arthritis following arthroscopic reconstruction of cruciate ligaments of the knee that occurred at a single institution from 2000-2015. According to time elapsed from surgery, infections were classified as acute (< 14 days), subacute (> 14 days and<30 days), and late (> 30 days). A descriptive and comparative analysis stratified by type of infection and causative microorganism was performed. RESULTS: 3,219 patients underwent arthroscopic reconstruction of cruciate ligaments of the knee and 30 (0.9%) developed septic arthritis. Seventeen (57%) were acute infections and 12 (40%) subacute; there was one late infection. The causative microorganisms were coagulase-negative Staphylococci (n=13; 43%), Staphylococcus aureus (n=12; 40%), other grampositive cocci (n=3; 10%), and gramnegative bacilli (n=2; 7%). All patients underwent arthroscopic debridement; no grafts were removed. All patients received antibiotic therapy for a median of 23.5 days (range: 14 - 78 days); all infections were cured. No significant differences were found in any of the variables analysed among the infection type or the causative microorganism. CONCLUSIONS: Septic arthritis after arthroscopic reconstruction of cruciate ligaments of the knee is uncommon. It generally presents within 4 weeks of surgery and is caused by Staphylococci. Its treatment consists of arthroscopic debridement (without necessarily removing the graft) and antibiotic therapy.

Epidemiological Differences Between Localized and Nonlocalized Low Back Pain.

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey with a longitudinal follow-up. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that pain, which is localized to the low back, differs epidemiologically from that which occurs simultaneously or close in time to pain at other anatomical sites SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA.: Low back pain (LBP) often occurs in combination with other regional pain, with which it shares similar psychological and psychosocial risk factors. However, few previous epidemiological studies of LBP have distinguished pain that is confined to the low back from that which occurs as part of a wider distribution of pain. METHODS: We analyzed data from CUPID, a cohort study that used baseline and follow-up questionnaires to collect information about musculoskeletal pain, associated disability, and potential risk factors, in 47 occupational groups (office workers, nurses, and others) from 18 countries. RESULTS: Among 12,197 subjects at baseline, 609 (4.9%) reported localized LBP in the past month, and 3820 (31.3%) nonlocalized LBP. Nonlocalized LBP was more frequently associated with sciatica in the past month (48.1% vs. 30.0% of cases), occurred on more days in the past month and past year, was more often disabling for everyday activities (64.1% vs. 47.3% of cases), and had more frequently led to medical consultation and sickness absence from work. It was also more often persistent when participants were followed up after a mean of 14 months (65.6% vs. 54.1% of cases). In adjusted Poisson regression analyses, nonlocalized LBP was differentially associated with risk factors, particularly female sex, older age, and somatizing tendency. There were also marked differences in the relative prevalence of localized and nonlocalized LBP by occupational group. CONCLUSION: Future epidemiological studies should distinguish where possible between pain that is limited to the low back and LBP that occurs in association with pain at other anatomical locations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

Low back pain among office workers in three Spanish-speaking countries: findings from the CUPID study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the differences in the prevalence and incidence of low back pain (LBP) and associated disability among office workers in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Spain. METHODS: Data were collected at baseline (n=947, 93% response) in November 2007 and at follow-up after 12 months (n=853, 90% response). Six outcome measures were examined: baseline prevalence of (1) LBP in the past 12 months, (2) LBP in the past month and (3) disabling LBP in the past month; and at follow-up: (4) incidence of new LBP in the past month, (5) new disabling LBP and (6) persistent LBP. Differences in prevalence by country were characterised by ORs with 95% CIs, before and after adjustment for covariates. RESULTS: Prevalence of LBP in the past month among office employees in Costa Rica (46.0%) and Nicaragua (44.2%) was higher than in Spain (33.6%). Incidence of new LBP was 37.0% in Nicaragua (OR=2.49; 95% CI 1.57 to 3.95), 14.9% in Costa Rica (OR=0.74; 95% CI 0.41 to 1.34) and 19.0% in Spain (reference). Incidence of new disabling LBP was higher in Nicaragua (17.2%; OR=2.49; 95% CI 1.43 to 4.34) and Costa Rica (13.6%; OR=1.89; 95% CI 1.03 to 3.48) than Spain (7.7%), while persistence of LBP was higher only in Nicaragua. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of LBP and disabling LBP was higher in Costa Rican and Nicaraguan office workers than in Spain, but the incidence was higher mainly in Nicaragua. Measured sociodemographic, job-related and health-related variables only partly explained the differences between countries, and further research is needed to explore reasons for the remaining differences.

Más allá del retorno al trabajo: el efecto de la multimorbilidad en el curso de la capacidad funcional en el trabajo después de la incapacidad temporal por trastorno mental / Beyond return to work: the effect of multimorbidity on work functioning trajectories after sick leave due to common mental disorders

Los pacientes con trastornos mentales presentan comúnmente otras morbilidades asociadas que pueden limitar su capacidad funcional en el trabajo (work functioning). En este estudio se evaluó el efecto longitudinal de la multimorbilidad en el curso de la capacidad funcional en el trabajo (trayectorias de capacidad funcional), en trabajadores que se reincorporaron al trabajo después de un episodio de incapacidad temporal (IT) debida a un trastorno mental. Se trata de un estudio observacional prospectivo de 156 trabajadores seguidos durante un año después del retorno al trabajo tras un episodio de IT debido a un trastorno mental. Se calculó un índice de multimorbilidad, al inicio del seguimiento, sumando condiciones de salud coexistentes ponderadas por su impacto en la mala salud autopercibida (severidad). La capacidad funcional para el trabajo se midió al inicio, 3, 6 y 12 meses del seguimiento utilizando el Work Role Functioning Questionaire. Con el fin de identificar trayectorias de capacidad funcional en el trabajo, es decir sub-grupos de individuos con tendencias específicas similares en el tiempo, se utilizaron modelos de clases latentes (Latent Class Growth Analisys-LCGA). En total, se observó una prevalencia de multimorbilidad del 44%. Se identificaron cuatro diferentes trayectorias de capacidad funcional en el trabajo: una (el 12% de los trabajadores) mostró un aumento de la capacidad funcional después del retorno al trabajo, mientras que las otras tres mostraron niveles bajo, medio y alto de capacidad funcional (23%, 41% y 24% respectivamente) que se mantuvieron estables durante el año de seguimiento. A pesar de que la multimorbilidad no se mostró como predictora de la probabilidad de pertenecer a cualquiera de las trayectorias descritas, sí se observó que, después de volver al trabajo tras un episodio de incapacidad temporal, la multimorbilidad basal dificultó la capacidad funcional en el trabajo a lo largo del tiempo

Patients with common mental disorders often suffer from comorbidities, which may limit their functioning at work. We assessed the longitudinal impact of multimorbidity, defined as two or more co-occurring chronic health conditions, on work functioning over time among workers who had returned to work after sick leave due to common mental disorders. Prospective cohort study of 156 workers followed for one year after return to work from sick leave due to common mental disorders. A multimorbidity score was computed by counting severity-weighted chronic health conditions measured at baseline. Work functioning was measured at baseline and at 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up with the Work Role Functioning Questionnaire. Work functioning trajectories, i.e. the course of work functioning after return to work over time, were identified through latent class growth analysis. A total of 44% of workers had multimorbidity. Four work functioning trajectories were identified: one (12% of the workers) showed increasing work functioning scores during follow-up, whereas the other trajectories showed low, medium and high scores (23%, 41% and 25%, respectively) that remained stable across time points. Although multimorbidity did not predict membership in any trajectory, within the increasing score trajectory levels of work functioning were lower among those with high baseline multimorbidity score (p<0.01). In conclusion, over time, multimorbidity negatively impacts work functioning after return to work from sick leave due to common mental disorder

Effectiveness of very early workplace interventions to reduce sickness absence: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to investigate the effectiveness of workplace return-to-work (RTW) interventions delivered at very early stages (<15 days) of sickness absence (SA). METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Health Management Information Consortium (HMIC), Cochrane library database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsychInfo and Embase. Using pre-established criteria, independent pairs of researchers carried out the study selection, quality appraisal and data extraction. Workplace interventions before day 15 of SA, were included. Primary outcome measures included rates of and time until RTW, productivity loss, and recurrences of SA. RESULTS: We found limited available evidence on the benefits of "very early" workplace interventions in terms of RTW after a SA episode compared to usual care. Only three randomized controlled trials classed as high or intermediate quality were identified. Early part-time sick leave together with appropriate job modifications led to a reduction in the duration and recurrence of SA. There is evidence of benefit of intervening during the first two weeks of SA for musculoskeletal disorders. CONCLUSION: Our review has identified a lack of evidence from the literature at this time point to support "very early" intervention compared to usual care. The methodological design of the studies, notably the extent and timing of usual care provided and variable compliance/crossover between groups could however explain the lack of demonstrated benefit. Consensus is required on the definition of "early" and "very early" interventions, and further research is recommended to improve understanding of the factors influencing when and how best to intervene for maximum gain.

Nuevo método no invasivo para la detección temprana del síndrome metabólico en la población trabajadora / New non-invasive method for early detection of metabolic syndrome in the working population

En este estudio se propone desarrollar y validar un nuevo método no invasivo (libre de biomarcadores sanguíneos) para la detección precoz del síndrome metabólico en población trabajadora, y que se basa en la medición de variables antropométricas. Entre 2013 y 2015, se llevaron a cabo dos estudios epidemiológicos: uno de prevalencia, con 636 trabajadores, para determinar las variables antropométricas asociados con el síndrome metabólico; y otro de pruebas diagnósticas, con 550 trabajadores, para validar el nuevo método de detección precoz frente a una prueba de referencia. Las variables antropométricas analizadas fueron: presión arterial, índice de masa corporal, perímetro abdominal, índice cinturaaltura, porcentaje de grasa corporal e índice cintura-cadera. Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística multivariante y se obtuvieron curvas ROC para determinar la capacidad predictiva de las variables. El nuevo método para la detección precoz del síndrome metabólico se basa en árboles de decisión creados con metodología CHAID (detección automática de interacciones mediante chi-cuadrado). La prevalencia global de síndrome metabólico fue del 14,9%. El área bajo la curva obtenida para el índice cintura-altura y el perímetro abdominal fue 0,91 y 0,90, respectivamente. Las variables antropométricas asociadas con el síndrome metabólico en el modelo ajustado fueron índice cintura-altura, índice de masa corporal, la presión arterial y el porcentaje de grasa corporal. El árbol de decisión se configuró a partir del índice cinturaaltura (≥0.55) y la hipertensión (presión arterial ≥128/85 mmHg), obteniendo una sensibilidad del 91,6% y una especificidad del 95,7%. En conclusión, la detección precoz del síndrome metabólico en una población sana es posible a través de métodos no invasivos, basados en indicadores antropométricos como el índice cintura-altura y la presión arterial. El método propuesto tiene un alto grado de validez predictiva y su uso podría recomendarse en cualquier contexto de la atención sanitaria

We propose a new method for the early detection of metabolic syndrome in the working population, which was free of biomarkers (non-invasive) and based on anthropometric variables, and to validate it in a new working population. Prevalence studies and diagnostic test accuracy to determine the anthropometric variables associated with metabolic syndrome, as well as the screening validity of the new method proposed, were carried out between 2013 and 2015 on 636 and 550 workers, respectively. The anthropometric variables analysed were: blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-height ratio, body fat percentage and waist-hip ratio. We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis and obtained receiver operating curves to determine the predictive ability of the variables. The new method for the early detection of metabolic syndrome we present is based on a decision tree using chi-squared automatic interaction detection methodology. The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 14.9%. The area under the curve for waistheight ratio and waist circumference was 0.91 and 0.90, respectively. The anthropometric variables associated with metabolic syndrome in the adjusted model were waist-height ratio, body mass index, blood pressure and body fat percentage. The decision tree was configured from the waist-height ratio (≥0.55) and hypertension (blood pressure ≥128/85 mmHg), with a sensitivity of 91.6% and a specificity of 95.7% obtained. In conclusion, the early detection of metabolic syndrome in a healthy population is possible through non-invasive methods, based on anthropometric indicators such as waist-height ratio and blood pressure. This method has a high degree of predictive validity and its use can be recommended in any healthcare context

Descriptive Epidemiology of Somatising Tendency: Findings from the CUPID Study.

Somatising tendency, defined as a predisposition to worry about common somatic symptoms, is importantly associated with various aspects of health and health-related behaviour, including musculoskeletal pain and associated disability. To explore its epidemiological characteristics, and how it can be specified most efficiently, we analysed data from an international longitudinal study. A baseline questionnaire, which included questions from the Brief Symptom Inventory about seven common symptoms, was completed by 12,072 participants aged 20-59 from 46 occupational groups in 18 countries (response rate 70%). The seven symptoms were all mutually associated (odds ratios for pairwise associations 3.4 to 9.3), and each contributed to a measure of somatising tendency that exhibited an exposure-response relationship both with multi-site pain (prevalence rate ratios up to six), and also with sickness absence for non-musculoskeletal reasons. In most participants, the level of somatising tendency was little changed when reassessed after a mean interval of 14 months (75% having a change of 0 or 1 in their symptom count), although the specific symptoms reported at follow-up often differed from those at baseline. Somatising tendency was more common in women than men, especially at older ages, and varied markedly across the 46 occupational groups studied, with higher rates in South and Central America. It was weakly associated with smoking, but not with level of education. Our study supports the use of questions from the Brief Symptom Inventory as a method for measuring somatising tendency, and suggests that in adults of working age, it is a fairly stable trait.

Upper extremity musculoskeletal pain among office workers in three Spanish-speaking countries: findings from the CUPID study.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence and incidence of upper extremity musculoskeletal pain (UEMP) and related disability among office workers in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Spain. METHODS: Data from the multinational Cultural and Psychosocial Influences on Disability (CUPID) study on 947 (93%) participants at baseline with 90% follow-up after 12 months were employed. Logistic regression was used to estimate the associations (ORs and corresponding 95% CIs) between country and six outcomes: baseline prevalence of (1) UEMP in past 12 months, (2) UEMP in past month and (3) disabling UEMP in past month; (4) incidence of new UEMP at follow-up; (5) incidence of new disabling UEMP at follow-up and (6) persistence of UEMP at follow-up, after adjustment for sociodemographic, job-related and health-related covariates. RESULTS: Baseline prevalence of UEMP in the past month was higher in Costa Rica (53.6%) (OR=1.89; 95% CI 1.36 to 2.62) and Nicaragua (51.9%) (OR=1.74; 95% CI 1.28 to 2.35) than in Spain (38.4%). Compared to Spain (33.2%), the incidence of new UEMP was 50.4% in Costa Rica (OR=2.04; 95% CI 1.34 to 3.12) and 60.2% in Nicaragua (OR=3.04; 95% CI 2.06 to 4.50). The incidence of disabling UEMP was higher in Nicaragua (OR=2.57; 95% CI 1.50 to 4.41) and Costa Rica (OR=2.16; 95% CI 1.22 to 3.84) when compared to Spain. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of UEMP was approximately twofold higher and its incidence twofold to threefold higher in Costa Rica and Nicaragua as compared with Spain. Between-country differences were only partially explained by the covariates analysed. Research is needed to explore other aspects of work and cultural attributes that might explain the residual differences in UEMP.

Classification of neck/shoulder pain in epidemiological research: a comparison of personal and occupational characteristics, disability, and prognosis among 12,195 workers from 18 countries.

To inform case definition for neck/shoulder pain in epidemiological research, we compared levels of disability, patterns of association, and prognosis for pain that was limited to the neck or shoulders (LNSP) and more generalised musculoskeletal pain that involved the neck or shoulder(s) (GPNS). Baseline data on musculoskeletal pain, disability, and potential correlates were collected by questionnaire from 12,195 workers in 47 occupational groups (mostly office workers, nurses, and manual workers) in 18 countries (response rate = 70%). Continuing pain after a mean interval of 14 months was ascertained through a follow-up questionnaire in 9150 workers from 45 occupational groups. Associations with personal and occupational factors were assessed by Poisson regression and summarised by prevalence rate ratios (PRRs). The 1-month prevalence of GPNS at baseline was much greater than that of LNSP (35.1% vs 5.6%), and it tended to be more troublesome and disabling. Unlike LNSP, the prevalence of GPNS increased with age. Moreover, it showed significantly stronger associations with somatising tendency (PRR 1.6 vs 1.3) and poor mental health (PRR 1.3 vs 1.1); greater variation between the occupational groups studied (prevalence ranging from 0% to 67.6%) that correlated poorly with the variation in LNSP; and was more persistent at follow-up (72.1% vs 61.7%). Our findings highlight important epidemiological distinctions between subcategories of neck/shoulder pain. In future epidemiological research that bases case definitions on symptoms, it would be useful to distinguish pain that is localised to the neck or shoulder from more generalised pain that happens to involve the neck/shoulder region.

Patrones de impacto de un Programa basado en tecnología web para "Sentarse Menos y Moverse Más" en trabajadores de oficina sedentarios / Patterns of Impact Resulting from a 'Sit Less, Move More' Web-Based Program in Sedentary Office Employees

Alentar a los trabajadores de oficina a "sentarse menos y moverse más" son dos prioridades de salud pública. Sin embargo, existe poca evidencia sobre la efectividad de las intervenciones para reducir el tiempo sentado ocupacional. Existe aún menos evidencia sobre los efectos a largo plazo de este tipo de intervenciones y en especial en relación a las intervenciones con este doble enfoque. Este estudio evaluó el impacto a corto y medio plazo de una intervención basada en tecnología web en lugares de trabajo de oficina (Walk@WorkSpain, W @ WS; 2010-11) midiendo la auto-percepción del tiempo sentado ocupacional, el recuento del número de pasos y factores de riesgo físicos (perímetro de cintura, el IMC, la presión sanguínea) para enfermedades crónicas. Trabajadores de 6 campus universitarios españoles (n = 264; 42 ± 10 años; 171 mujeres) fueron asignados al azar por lugar de trabajo y campus a un grupo de intervención (utilizando W @ WS; n = 129; 87 mujeres) o a un grupo de comparación (comportamiento normal mantenido; n = 135; 84 mujeres). Este programa escalonado de 19 semanas tuvo por objetivo disminuir el tiempo que los trabajadores permanecen sentados en su puesto de trabajo a través de un incremento del movimiento incidental y caminatas cortas. Se utilizó un modelo lineal mixto para evaluar los cambios entre el momento basal, y las fases de incremento (8 semanas), mantenimiento (11 semanas) y seguimiento (dos meses) de las variables principales entre los grupos intervención y control. Un significativa interacción 2 (grupo) × 2 (fases del programa) se encontró para el auto-reporte del tiempo sentado (F[3]=7.97, p=0.046), el recuento del número de pasos diarios (F[3]=15.68, p=0.0013) y el perímetro de cintura (F[3]=11.67, p=0.0086). El grupo de intervención disminuyó los minutos diarios de estar sentado, mientras a su vez, incrementó el recuento de pasos desde el momento basal (446 ± 126; 8862 ± 2475) pasando por la de incremento (+ 425 ± 120; 9,345 ± 2,435), de mantenimiento (+ 422 ± 123; 9,638 ± 3,131) y el periodo de seguimiento (+ 414 ± 129; 9,786 ± 3,205). En el grupo de comparación y tomando como referencia el momento basal (404 ± 106), el tiempo sentado se mantuvo sin cambios a través de las fases de incremento y el mantenimiento, pero disminuyó en la de seguimiento (-388 ± 120), mientras el recuento de pasos disminuyó durante todas las fases. El grupo de intervención redujo de forma significativa el perímetro de cintura en 2,1 cm desde el momento basal hasta el seguimiento, mientras que el grupo de comparación redujo el perímetro de cintura en 1,3 cm durante el mismo periodo de tiempo. En conclusión, W @ WS es una intervención basada en la evidencia, viable y eficaz que se puede implementar con éxito en los trabajadores sedentarios con la idea de provocar cambios sostenidos en "sentarse menos y moverse más"

Encouraging office workers to 'sit less and move more' encompasses two public health priorities. However, there is little evidence on the effectiveness of workplace interventions for reducing sitting, even less about the longer term effects of such interventions and still less on dual-focused interventions. This study assessed the short and mid-term impacts of a workplace web-based intervention (Walk@WorkSpain, W@WS; 2010-11) on self-reported sitting time, step counts and physical risk factors (waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure) for chronic disease. Employees at six Spanish university campuses (n=264; 42±10 years; 171 female) were randomly assigned by worksite and campus to an Intervention (used W@WS; n=129; 87 female) or a Comparison group (maintained normal behavior; n=135; 84 female). This phased, 19-week program aimed to decrease occupational sitting time through increased incidental movement and short walks. A linear mixed model assessed changes in outcome measures between the baseline, ramping (8 weeks), maintenance (11 weeks) and follow-up (two months) phases for Intervention versus Comparison groups. A significant 2 (group) × 2 (program phases) interaction was found for self-reported occupational sitting (F[3]=7.97, p=0.046), daily step counts (F[3]=15.68, p=0.0013) and waist circumference (F[3]=11.67, p=0.0086). The Intervention group decreased minutes of daily occupational sitting while also increasing step counts from baseline (446±126; 8,862±2,475) through ramping (+425±120; 9,345±2,435), maintenance (+422±123; 9,638±3,131) and follow-up (+414±129; 9,786±3,205). In the Comparison group, compared to baseline (404±106), sitting time remained unchanged through ramping and maintenance, but decreased at follow-up (-388±120), while step counts diminished across all phases. The Intervention group significantly reduced waist circumference by 2.1cms from baseline to follow-up while the Comparison group reduced waist circumference by 1.3cms over the same period. In conclusion, W@WS is a feasible and effective evidence-based intervention that can be successfully deployed with sedentary employees to elicit sustained changes on "sitting less and moving more"