Evidence map›Paper›PMID 33583402›Full record

ArticleBMC musculoskeletal disorders2021

WOMAC score and arthritis diagnosis predict decreased agricultural productivity.

Eliza J Webber, Tan Tran, Ronald June, Emily Healy, Tara M Andrews, Roubie Younkin, Justin MacDonald, Erik S Adams

Open access · goldAbstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
0.7field-weighted citation impact, top 24% of its field
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed, 5 citations in OpenAlex.

  1. Exploratory analysis of gait mechanics in farmers.Journal of occupational and environmental hygiene · 2025
    Article
  2. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors at 4 institutions in 1 country.

Eliza J WebberCenter for American Indian and Rural Health Equity, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.
Tan TranDepartment of Mathematical Sciences, Statistical Consulting and Research Services, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.
Ronald JuneDepartment of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Montana State University, P.O. Box 173485, Bozeman, MT, 59717-3485, USA.
Emily HealyMontana Department of Labor and Industry, Montana Occupational Health & Safety Surveillance Program, Helena, MT, USA.
Tara M AndrewsMontana State University Extension - Custer County, Miles City, MT, USA.
Roubie YounkinMontana State University Extension - Valley County, Glasgow, MT, USA.
Justin MacDonaldUniversity of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
Erik S AdamsDepartment of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Montana State University, P.O. Box 173485, Bozeman, MT, 59717-3485, USA. erik.adams@montana.edu.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7625-0829
Montana State University · USMiles College · USMontana Department of Labor & Industry · USUniversity of Washington · US

Funding

Research Core (Developmental Research Project Program)P20GM103474 · NIGMS · MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY - BOZEMAN · PI Jeffrey Good · 2012 to 2026
$60.0M
Translational Biomarkers CoreP20GM104417 · NIGMS · MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY - BOZEMAN · PI ADAMS, ALEXANDRA K. · 2014 to 2023
$23.1M
NIGMS NIH HHS P20GM103474NIGMS NIH HHS P20 GM104417
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundArthritis and joint pain are highly prevalent in agricultural (ag) workers. Many ag operations are sustained by a small number of workers, and the disability of even one worker thus contributes to economic hardship. This study investigated associations between joint health in Montana ag workers and economic well-being and work capacity.

methodsThis observational mixed-methods study utilized quantitative survey data and qualitative focus group data. 299 ranchers and farmers in 9 Montana counties completed either an online or paper survey that included participant demographics, joint symptoms, history of arthritis and arthritis type, financial status, work capacity, and the need to rely on others to complete one's work. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities arthritis index (WOMAC) survey was completed by those with hip or knee pain. Data were entered into REDCap v8.9.2 for analysis with SAS 9.4, using logistic and linear regression models to detect associations between covariables and to calculate odds ratios and confidence intervals. Focus groups were held with ranchers in two Montana counties, discussing similar topics, and the themes expressed were identified.

results87.6% of survey respondents reported joint pain, 47.8% a diagnosis of arthritis, and 22.4% osteoarthritis (OA). A 10-point increase in WOMAC was significantly associated with lower work capacity (OR 2.00; 95% CI [1.58, 2.55], p < 0.01), worse financial condition (OR 1.23; 95% CI [1.01,1.48], p = 0.04), and increased reliance on others (OR 1.82; 95% CI [1.32, 2.55], p < 0.01). An arthritis diagnosis was associated with worsening work capacity (OR 4.66; 95% CI [2.71, 8.01], p < 0.01) and increased odds of relying on others (OR 3.23; 95% CI [1.56, 6.66], p < 0.01). A diagnosis of OA was significantly associated with decreased work capacity (OR 3.47; 95% CI [1.97, 6.11], p < 0.01). Unadjusted for age and BMI, we found a significant association between years spent working in agriculture and joint health, which became non-significant after adjusting for age and BMI. Focus group themes included decreased productivity with increased joint symptoms and a tendency for ranchers to avoid interaction with the health care system.

conclusionPoor joint health is associated with economic risk on Montana ranches and farms.

Indexed as

Osteoarthritis, HipOsteoarthritis, KneeAgricultureArthralgiaHumansKnee JointOntarioAgricultureArthritisDisabilityFarmingOsteoarthritisRanchingWOMAC

Identifiers

PMID33583402
PMCPMC7882068
OpenAlexW3130934727

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.