Hand intensive leisure activities and repetitive motion injuries of the distal upper extremities

Background. Human occupation extends beyond the job to include self-care and leisure activities. The effects of hand intensive leisure activities (HILAs) such as home computer use and needlework on repetitive motion injuries to the distal upper extremities (RMI-DUES) and obesity have not been explored. Health beliefs regarding leisure and fitness among sedentary employed women have not been explored. Purpose. To address the gap in information on the effects of HILAs on women's health. This study also determined women's beliefs about leisure and the predictive value of these beliefs regarding willingness to change leisure activities to enhance health. Methodology. A cross-sectional survey instrument was completed by 342 women who used computers frequently. Questions included demographics, health, leisure, physical activity, symptoms and beliefs. Analysis. Descriptive statistics identified population characteristics and HILA choices. Chi-square analysis identified relationships between HILAs and symptoms. Bivariate analysis explored relationships between symptom scores and research variables. Chi-square and t-tests evaluated symptom score and socioeconomic status. Independent and dependent health belief variables were examined for correlation. Factor analysis reduced data to predictor and criterion factors that were then checked for correlation. Linear and multiple regression analysis developed equations predicting dependent health beliefs. Results. The majority of respondents reported hand symptoms during the last year, but few sought medical care. Four in five respondents participated in at least one HILA, with home computer use and needlework frequent choices. Presence of hand symptoms was associated with needlework, but not with home computer use. Elevated body mass index was associated with home computer use and with having hand problems diagnosed by a health care provider, but not with symptoms. Years on the job was the sole correlate with elevated symptom score. Higher scores on susceptibility and self-efficacy beliefs best predicted willingness to change leisure behaviors to enhance health; however, among needleworkers, higher self-efficacy resulted in less inclination to change. Conclusion. HILAs need to be separated by physical differences in order to assess the true contribution to RMI-DUES. Health educators may need to tailor interventions for women who participate in HILAs such as needlework due to differences in health beliefs.