Article

PURPOSE: To better understand social influences on work recovery, we studied the
association between work status, work adjustment (WA), job demands, and social
support (employer, family, physician) for return to work in cardiac
rehabilitation (CR) patients. METHODS: Multiple cross-sectional design with
questionnaire data collected from patients (72% working; age = 57 +/- 10.7 years)
either at program entry (n = 126) or 6 to 12 months (n = 88) of CR exposure. Work
adjustment was assessed by utilizing a visual analogue scale (WA VAS). Perceived
social support from the employer, family, and physician was assessed using
5-point Likert scales. Physical demands (PD) and psychological job demands, and
job control, were assessed utilizing the Job Content Questionnaire. RESULTS:
Working patients expressed higher levels of employer support (4.2 +/- 1.2 vs 3.6
+/- 1.4, P < .04) and lower PD (7.9 +/- 3.4 vs 10.5 +/- 4.0, P < .001) than those
not working. Employer support was positively correlated with WA VAS (R = 0.34, P
< .002). High PD were negatively correlated with WA VAS (R = -0.31, P < .002).
Weaker relationships were observed between family support and physician support
and the dependent measures. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that CR patients view
their employer as a significant source of social support for return to work.
Efforts to foster support from employers are an important consideration for the
functional rehabilitation of these workers. The nature of the supportive
relationship requires further investigation to determine the salient aspects that
impact on work adjustment.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI