The Journal of Korean Society of Community-Based Occupational Therapy Vol.13 No.3 pp.10-20
Comparison of Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Quality of Life in Personal Assistants for Individuals With Brain Lesions and Autism - Focusing on Visitors to Occupational Therapy Rooms in Changwon District
Key Words : Brain Lesion Disorder,Autism Spectrum Disorder,Musculoskeletal Symptoms,Quality of Life,Personal Assistants
Abstract
Objective : The purpose of this thesis is to compare the differences in musculoskeletal symptoms, pain, and quality of life between personal assistants for individuals with brain lesions and personal assistants for individuals with autism. Methods : The study was conducted from May 10th to 19th, 2023, having 114 personal assistants who work in Changwon as subjects; 62 personal assistants for individuals with brain lesions and 52 personal assistants for individuals with autism. We measured musculoskeletal symptoms and the level of pain by using a Nordic-style questionnaire, and quality of life with SF-36. Results : The result of the study is as follows. In both group, the pain in the shoulder(r=.24; p<.05), wrist and hands(r=.24; p<.01) remarkedly increased as the assistants have more work experience. In the case of the personal assistants for individuals with brain lesions, it turned out that they got more musculoskeletal symptoms in broader areas, with respect to symptom manifestation within twelve months and within one week(p<.05). The comparative analysis of SF-36 scores revealed a statistically significant lower score in the domain of Bodily Pain for personal assistants for individuals with autism(p<.01). Conclusion : Therefore, for personal assistants for individuals with brain lesions, the preventive intervention should be done to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms and pain and for personal assistants for individuals with autism, the psychological intervention is needed to alleviate the subjective physical pain.