Factors associated with work ability in patients undergoing surgery for cervical radiculopathy

Abstract

Study Design. Cross-sectional study. Objective. To investigate the factors associated with work ability in patients undergoing surgery for cervical radiculopathy. Summary of Background Data. Surgery is a common treatment of cervical radiculopathy in people of working age. However, few studies have investigated the impact on the work ability of these patients. Methods. Patients undergoing surgery for cervical radiculopathy (n = 201) were recruited from spine centers in Sweden to complete a battery of questionnaires and physical measures the day before surgery. The associations between various individual, psychological, and work-related factors and self-reported work ability were investigated by Spearman rank correlation coeffi cient, multivariate linear regression, and forward stepwise regression analyses. Factors that were signifi cant ( P < 0.05) in each statistical analysis were entered into the successive analysis to reveal the factors most related to work ability. Work ability was assessed using the Work Ability Index. Results. The mean Work Ability Index score was 28 (SD, 9.0). The forward stepwise regression analysis revealed 6 factors signifi cantly associated with work ability, which explained 62% of the variance in the Work Ability Index. Factors highly correlated with greater work ability included greater self-effi cacy in performing self-cares, lower physical load on the neck at work, greater self-reported chance of being able to work in 6 months' time, greater use of active coping strategies, lower frequency of hand weakness, and higher healthrelated quality of life. Conclusion. Psychological, work-related and individual factors were signifi cantly associated with work ability in patients undergoing surgery for cervical radiculopathy. High self-effi cacy was most associated with greater work ability. Consideration of these factors by surgeons preoperatively may provide optimal return to work outcomes after surgery.