Analysis

The analysis of data from a musculoskeletal symptom scale (Musculoskeletal Scale – MS) involves the assessment of the frequency, severity, and impact of musculoskeletal symptoms across various areas of the body.

Scoring

Respondents were asked to complete a form using a 10-point frequency scale (1: rarely to 10: very frequently) to indicate how often they experienced pain in specific joints or joint groups. For the calculation of the mean value of responses, a reduced set of joints was used compared to the total of 21 examined, in line with the PILL scale. Specifically, an arbitrary criterion was applied: joints or joint groups were included only if at least 10 respondents had reported a score greater than 1 (a score of 1 indicated that pain in the particular joint was rarely experienced).

Purpose

The purpose of the musculoskeletal symptom analysis is to evaluate and understand the frequency, severity, and impact of symptoms related to the musculoskeletal system in various parts of the body. This evaluation can assist researchers, clinicians, and healthcare professionals in better understanding the health issues that patients face and in developing effective management and treatment strategies.

Validity and Reliability

The MS was developed based on an understanding of musculoskeletal problems and their impact on functionality, ensuring that the questions fully cover the significant dimensions. The Cronbach’s alpha for the MS subscales is typically above 0.80, indicating high internal consistency.

Reference

Dachapalli, L.-A.P. and S. Parumasur. Employee susceptibility to experiencing job insecurity. SAJEMS NS, 2012. 15(1).