Addressing health inequities: validating the Chinese-WSF28 workstyle for work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among cleaners
Abstract Background This pioneering study examined the psychometric properties of workstyle related to work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WRMS) among cleaners, a neglected workforce. Like many low-income, low-skilled workers, cleaners have unique workstyles. This research assessed the Workstyle-...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | International Journal for Equity in Health |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-025-02587-z |
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| author | Kin Cheung Ka Yan Ma E.S.P. Cheung Benjamin Chiu-hang Sin Kwan Wai Mui Yuen Kwan Ko Sin Man Tsoi Nok Hang Leung Ka Yee Lui Winnie Wing Man Ng Pui Sze Bessie Chan H.C. Lau Yu Hin Brian Lee |
| author_facet | Kin Cheung Ka Yan Ma E.S.P. Cheung Benjamin Chiu-hang Sin Kwan Wai Mui Yuen Kwan Ko Sin Man Tsoi Nok Hang Leung Ka Yee Lui Winnie Wing Man Ng Pui Sze Bessie Chan H.C. Lau Yu Hin Brian Lee |
| author_sort | Kin Cheung |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background This pioneering study examined the psychometric properties of workstyle related to work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WRMS) among cleaners, a neglected workforce. Like many low-income, low-skilled workers, cleaners have unique workstyles. This research assessed the Workstyle-Short Form (WSF) to identify WRMS in various body parts among cleaners. Methods 433 cleaners were surveyed in the study. The items were modified from Chinese-WSF24 (C-WSF24) and new items were added according to the unique working environment of Chinese cleaners. A scale with 33 items of the workstyle was rigorously analysed for its psychometric properties through content validity, factor analysis, known group validity and convergent validity. Results A panel of 13 experts reviewed the scale over three rounds until a consensus was reached. Factor analysis generated a four-factor solution using exploratory factor analysis, which included working through pain, social reactivity at work, demands at work and breaks. This solution comprised 28 items and accounted for 46.12% of the total variance. The overall results of the confirmatory factor analysis further support this hypothesized factor structure, supported by the Workstyle Model. Validation against known groups also showed that the Chinese-WSF28 (C-WSF28) can discriminate between cleaners with and without WRMS in various body parts. Furthermore, C-WSF28 demonstrated convergent validity through statistically significant association with factors contributing to WRMS. Conclusion The C-WSF28 is a valid instrument, enabling comprehensive measurement of cleaners’ workstyle and facilitating rigorous evaluation of workstyle interventions for enhanced outcomes. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-0aec6d5f620942d0ba47ba31430b099a |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1475-9276 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal for Equity in Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-0aec6d5f620942d0ba47ba31430b099a2025-08-20T03:42:44ZengBMCInternational Journal for Equity in Health1475-92762025-07-0124111610.1186/s12939-025-02587-zAddressing health inequities: validating the Chinese-WSF28 workstyle for work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among cleanersKin Cheung0Ka Yan Ma1E.S.P. Cheung2Benjamin Chiu-hang Sin3Kwan Wai Mui4Yuen Kwan Ko5Sin Man Tsoi6Nok Hang Leung7Ka Yee Lui8Winnie Wing Man Ng9Pui Sze Bessie Chan10H.C. Lau11Yu Hin Brian Lee12School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversitySchool of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversitySchool of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityCaritas Youth and Community Service & Community Development ServiceCaritas Youth and Community Service & Community Development ServiceCaritas Youth and Community Service & Community Development ServiceCaritas Youth and Community Service & Community Development ServiceSchool of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversitySchool of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversitySchool of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversitySchool of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversitySchool of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityAbstract Background This pioneering study examined the psychometric properties of workstyle related to work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WRMS) among cleaners, a neglected workforce. Like many low-income, low-skilled workers, cleaners have unique workstyles. This research assessed the Workstyle-Short Form (WSF) to identify WRMS in various body parts among cleaners. Methods 433 cleaners were surveyed in the study. The items were modified from Chinese-WSF24 (C-WSF24) and new items were added according to the unique working environment of Chinese cleaners. A scale with 33 items of the workstyle was rigorously analysed for its psychometric properties through content validity, factor analysis, known group validity and convergent validity. Results A panel of 13 experts reviewed the scale over three rounds until a consensus was reached. Factor analysis generated a four-factor solution using exploratory factor analysis, which included working through pain, social reactivity at work, demands at work and breaks. This solution comprised 28 items and accounted for 46.12% of the total variance. The overall results of the confirmatory factor analysis further support this hypothesized factor structure, supported by the Workstyle Model. Validation against known groups also showed that the Chinese-WSF28 (C-WSF28) can discriminate between cleaners with and without WRMS in various body parts. Furthermore, C-WSF28 demonstrated convergent validity through statistically significant association with factors contributing to WRMS. Conclusion The C-WSF28 is a valid instrument, enabling comprehensive measurement of cleaners’ workstyle and facilitating rigorous evaluation of workstyle interventions for enhanced outcomes.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-025-02587-zCleanersConstruct validityFactor analysisWork-related musculoskeletal symptomsWorkstyle |
| spellingShingle | Kin Cheung Ka Yan Ma E.S.P. Cheung Benjamin Chiu-hang Sin Kwan Wai Mui Yuen Kwan Ko Sin Man Tsoi Nok Hang Leung Ka Yee Lui Winnie Wing Man Ng Pui Sze Bessie Chan H.C. Lau Yu Hin Brian Lee Addressing health inequities: validating the Chinese-WSF28 workstyle for work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among cleaners International Journal for Equity in Health Cleaners Construct validity Factor analysis Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms Workstyle |
| title | Addressing health inequities: validating the Chinese-WSF28 workstyle for work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among cleaners |
| title_full | Addressing health inequities: validating the Chinese-WSF28 workstyle for work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among cleaners |
| title_fullStr | Addressing health inequities: validating the Chinese-WSF28 workstyle for work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among cleaners |
| title_full_unstemmed | Addressing health inequities: validating the Chinese-WSF28 workstyle for work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among cleaners |
| title_short | Addressing health inequities: validating the Chinese-WSF28 workstyle for work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among cleaners |
| title_sort | addressing health inequities validating the chinese wsf28 workstyle for work related musculoskeletal symptoms among cleaners |
| topic | Cleaners Construct validity Factor analysis Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms Workstyle |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-025-02587-z |
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