Article

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.

Langue : ANGLAIS