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  • Title: What factors predict full or partial return to work among sickness absentees with spinal pain participating in rehabilitation?
    Author: Elfving B, Asell M, Ropponen A, Alexanderson K.
    Journal: Disabil Rehabil; 2009; 31(16):1318-27. PubMed ID: 19294545.
    Abstract:
    PURPOSE: To identify the factors that predict full or partial return to work among long-term (> or =90 days) sickness absentees due to spinal pain who begin a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme. METHOD: In a prospective cohort study, 312 patients with neck, thoracic and/or lumbar pain, aged 20-64, participated in a 4-week multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme in Sweden. Questionnaire data at inclusion were used. Factors included in logistic regressions were as follows: age, gender, type of work, pain location, pain intensity (visual analogue scale), activity limitations [Disability Rating Index (DRI)], health-related quality of life (SF-36), pain-related fear of movement (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia), motivation (Self Motivation Inventory), sickness absence at baseline and number of sick-leave days during the previous 2 years. Outcome factor was increased versus not increased working time at follow-up 6 months later. RESULTS: Most patients (68%) reported two or three pain locations. At baseline, 56% were full-time sickness absent and 23% at follow-up; 61% had increased their working time. Predictors for increased working time were age below 40 years, low activity limitation (DRI < 50), low SF-36 bodily pain (> 30) and high SF-36 social functioning (> 60). Number of sick-leave days during the previous 2 years (md 360; range 90-730) had no influence. CONCLUSIONS: Even patients with long previous sick leave can increase working time after a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme, especially if they are younger, have lower levels of activity limitations and pain and better social functioning. To include information on part-time work is useful when evaluating work ability following rehabilitation programmes.
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