Effectiveness of an educational intervention to increase knowledge and reduce use of risky behaviors associated with cumulative trauma in office workers

Abstract

{\it Objective:} This pilot project assessed the effectiveness of an intervention to increase knowledge and reduce risky behaviors related to cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) in office workers. {\it Study Design:} All 124 employees from the administrative offices of a health maintenance organization were invited to participate. Subjects were followed across time using an identification number. Data were collected via questionnaire in June 1994 (pretest1) (N=84), August 1994 (pretest II) (N= 63) and September 1995 (posttest) (N=40). The yearlong intervention focused on functional activities to prevent CTD. {\it Results:} of chi-square analyses for the 40 subjects who completed all surveys indicated this intervention significantly increased overall knowledge of CTD (p = .002). Significant changes in self-reported hand/wrist (p = .016) and neck/shoulder (p = .003) posture were also found. {\it Conclusions:} This study is a first step in identifying effective educational interventions to increase knowledge and reduce risk factors related to CTD in office workers.