A1171 Review on the validity of self-report to assess work-related diseases

Tuesday, March 20, 2012: 14:55
Isla Mujeres 2 (Cancun Center)

Annet Lenderink, Netherlands Center of Occupational Diseases, Coronel Institute Of Occupational Health/ AMC/ University Of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Ilona Zoer, Coronel Institute Of Occupational Health, Amc/ University Of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Henk F Van Der Molen, Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health/ AMC/ University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dick Spreeuwers, Netherlands Center of Occupational Diseases, Coronel Institute Of Occupational Health/ AMC/ University Of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Monique Frings-Dressen, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Frank van Dijk, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Handouts
  • Microsoft PowerPoint - presentatie review self-report ICOH EN.pdf (1.1 MB)
  • Introduction
    Self-report is an efficient and accepted means of assessing population characteristics, risk factors, and diseases. Little is known on the validity of self-reported work-related illness as an indicator of the presence of a work-related disease. This study reviews the evidence on (1) the validity of workers’ self-reported illness and (2) on
    the validity of workers’ self-assessed work relatedness of an illness.

    Methods
    A systematic literature search was conducted in four databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and OSHUpdate).
    Two reviewers independently performed the article selection and data extraction. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated, levels of agreement and predictive values were rated against predefined criteria, and sources of heterogeneity were explored.

    Results
    In 32 studies, workers’ self-reports of health conditions were compared with the ‘‘reference standard’’ of expert opinion. We found that agreement was mainly low to moderate. Self-assessed work relatedness of a health
    condition was examined in only four studies, showing lowt o moderate agreement with expert assessment. The health condition, type of questionnaire, and the case definitions for both self-report and reference standards influence the results of validation studies.

    Discussion
    Workers’ self-reported illness may provide valuable information on the presence of disease, although the generalizability of the findings is limited primarily to musculoskeletal and skin disorders. For case finding in a
    population at risk, e.g., an active workers’ health surveillance program, a sensitive symptom questionnaire with a
    follow-up by a medical examination may be the best choice. Evidence on the validity of self-assessed work relatedness of a health condition is scarce. Adding welldeveloped questions to a specific medical diagnosis
    exploring the relationship between symptoms and work may be a good strategy.