This cross-sectional study evaluated a tool called the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, or NMQ-E. The researchers tested it with 251 nurses and therapists working at two community hospitals in Singapore. They wanted to know if the questionnaire could accurately measure work-related musculoskeletal disorders in this specific setting.
The results showed the tool performed very well. Internal consistency was good, with a Cronbach's alpha score above 0.81. Test-retest reliability was excellent, indicated by an ICC of 0.987. The kappa scores for agreement ranged from moderate to almost perfect. All hypotheses regarding the tool's validity were confirmed. Item response rates exceeded 97 percent, suggesting most participants found the questions easy to answer.
The study did not report any safety concerns or adverse events because the questionnaire is a survey and not a medical treatment. The main reason to be careful is that this is a cross-sectional study, which captures a single point in time. This design limits the ability to draw conclusions about cause and effect or long-term changes. However, the findings suggest the tool may greatly support epidemiological surveillance and inform occupational health interventions in Singapore's healthcare setting.
