Assessment of workplace physical exposures by selfreported
questionnaires has logistical advantages in
population studies, but is subject to exposure misclassification.
This study measured agreement between eight
self-reported and observer-rated physical exposures to
the hands and wrists, and evaluated predictors of intermethod
agreement. Workers (n = 341) from three
occupational categories (clerical/technical, construction,
and service) completed self-administered questionnaires
and worksite assessments. Analyses compared
self-reported and observed ratings using a
weighted kappa coefficient. Personal and psychosocial
factors, presence of upper extremity symptoms, and job
type were evaluated as predictors of agreement.
Weighted kappa values were substantial for lifting
(0.67) and holding vibrating tools (0.61), moderate for
forceful grip (0.58), and fair to poor for all other exposures.
Upper extremity symptoms did not predict
greater disagreement between self-reported and
observed exposures. Occupational category was the
only significant predictor of inter-method agreement.
Self-reported exposures may provide a useful estimate
of some work exposures for population studies.