No abstract

Background: Non-participants can have a considerable influence on the external validity of a study. Therefore, we assessed the socio-demographic, health-related, and lifestyle behavioral differences between participants and non-participants in a comprehensive CVD lifestyle intervention trial, and explored the motives and barriers underlying the decision to participate or not.

Work-related factors that were associated with the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms were quite similar to those associated with health care use and sick leave. However, for LBP, older age and living alone, and, for neck/upper extremity symptoms, living alone and being female more strongly determined whether subjects with these complaints took sick leave. These results imply that prevention strategies aimed at minimizing the risks of the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and prevention programs aimed at reducing sick leave may need to emphasize different sets of risk factors.

No abstract

The contribution of work and lifestyle factors to socioeconomic inequalities in self-rated health-a systematic review by Dieker ACM, IJzelenberg W, Proper KI, Burdorf A, Ket JCF, van der Beek AJ, Hulsegge G This study is the first systematic review on the contribution of work and lifestyle factors to socioeconomic inequalities in perceived health among workers. Work and lifestyle factors partly explained socioeconomic health inequalities. This has important implications for public and occupational health policy as it emphasizes to focus on both work and lifestyle factors to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in perceived health.