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Reliability of the Demand-Control Questionnaire for sewing machine operators
Renee M. Williams1, Gunnevi Sundelin, Mary Lou Schmuck
1School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, 1400 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 1C7.
Work (Reading, Mass.)
|November 21, 2002
Summary
The Demand-Control Questionnaire (DCQ) shows fair test-retest reliability (0.33) but good internal consistency (0.70) for assessing occupational stress in sewing machine operators, aiding injury prevention.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Psychometrics
- Ergonomics
Background:
- Occupational stress is a significant factor in workplace health.
- The Demand-Control Questionnaire (DCQ) is widely used to measure job demands, control, and social support.
- Sewing machine operators face risks of musculoskeletal injuries potentially linked to occupational stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the test-retest reliability of the DCQ in sewing machine operators.
- To assess the internal consistency of the DCQ within this occupational group.
- To determine the suitability of the DCQ for measuring occupational stress in this population.
Main Methods:
- Forty-six sewing machine operators completed the DCQ twice over an 11-week interval.
- Test-retest reliability was calculated using repeated measures ANOVA and generalizability theory.
- Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha.
Main Results:
- The test-retest reliability of the DCQ was found to be fair (0.33).
- The internal consistency of the DCQ was good (Cronbach's alpha = 0.70).
- The DCQ demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties for this group.
Conclusions:
- The DCQ is a reliable tool for assessing occupational stress among sewing machine operators.
- Findings support the use of the DCQ in occupational health research and practice for this demographic.
- Increased workplace focus on occupational stress is recommended for preventing musculoskeletal injuries in sewing machine operators.