Self-rated and clinically measured functional capacity among women and men in two age groups in metal industry

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to analyze self-rated functional capacity and associated factors among two age groups of male and female employees in the metal industry, as well as to study the association between clinically measured and self-rated functional capacity. 246 employees working in the metal industry were studied by means of questionnaires and laboratory tests. The results showed that the older persons low-rated their capacity more often than the younger. Differences in self-rated functional capacity were also found between sex groups. Young men, especially, differed from their age peer women in rating their functional capacity as "good" more often. Among the women and the older men higher occupational status was associated with a higher self-rating of functional capacity. Among the younger men the trend was reversed. One possible explanation for this unexpected result among the younger men may be the contradiction between the realities and what they see as the purposes of their lives. A physically active life style among the younger women, a good ability to carry on the activities of daily life among all the groups studied, high health status, and high occupational status together with the absence of symptoms among the women were all associated with good self-ratings of functional capacity. Several laboratory tests, although partly different within the different groups, showed the same trend as the self-rating thus, perhaps, indicating the disparate importance of the functions measured for the different groups. The explanatory factors of self-rated functional capacity also varied according to group being more physical among the women and the older men and including mental balance and occupational status among the younger men. This study revealed some interesting differences between the groups studied and also the need for more thorough research into self-rated functional capacity.