Prognostic factors for the work participation of sick-listed unemployed and temporary agency workers with psychological problems

Abstract

Introduction Among the working population, unemployed and temporary agency workers are a particularly vulnerable group, at risk for sickness absence due to psychological problems. Knowledge of prognostic factors for work participation could help identify sick-listed workers with a high-risk for work disability and provide input for sickness absence counseling. The purpose of this study was to identify prognostic factors for the work participation of medium- and long-term sick-listed unemployed and temporary agency workers with psychological problems. Methods A cohort of 932 sick-listed unemployed and temporary agency workers with psychological problems was followed for one and a half years. Data collection was conducted at three time-frames: 10 months, 18 months and 27 months after reporting sick. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Perceived health, full return-to-work (RTW) expectations, age and work status at 18 months were strong prognostic factors for work participation at subsequent time-frames in the univariate analyses. Multiple logistic regression revealed that full RTW expectation was a prognostic factor for future work participation in both the medium- and longterm, whereas moderate-to-good perceived health was a prognostic factor for work participation in the mediumterm. Being under 45 years of age and having a positive work status at 18 months were prognostic factors for work participation in the long-term. Conclusions Workers' selfappraisal of health, age and work status were strong prognostic factors for the future work participation of sicklisted unemployed and temporary agency workers with psychological problems. These findings could help occupational and insurance physicians identify high-risk sicklisted workers for sickness absence counseling. © 2012 The Author.