Original article

Scand J Work Environ Health 2008;34(6):420-429    pdf

https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.1298 | Issue date: 00 Dec 2008

Predictors of sick leave and reduced productivity at work among persons with early inflammatory joint conditions

by Geuskens GA, Hazes JMW, Barendregt PJ, Burdorf A

Objectives This study attempted to identify predictors of sick leave and reduced productivity at work among persons with early inflammatory joint conditions.

Methods In a prospective cohort study of 210 workers with inflammatory joint conditions present for less than 12 months, data were collected by a medical examination and questionnaires at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. The outcomes were sick leave and reduced productivity at work. Generalized estimation equations (6-month time-lag model) were used to study predictors.

Results Sick leave was predicted by high levels of pain [odds ratio (OR) 3.2], poor physical functioning (OR 4.4), and frequent manual materials handling (OR 2.0), whereas supervisors had a lower likelihood of sick leave (OR 0.2). The predictors of reduced productivity at work were intermediate levels of pain (OR 3.1), poor physical functioning (OR 2.8), poor mental health (OR 2.1), and low support from colleagues (OR 2.2), whereas the workers classified as having nonrheumatoid arthritis were less likely to report reduced productivity than those with inflammatory joint complaints without clinical synovitis (OR 0.4).

Conclusions Among the workers with early inflammatory joint conditions, self-reported pain and physical functioning affected performance at work, together with manual materials handling and lack of support from colleagues. Early treatment should target pain and physical functioning, and job interventions should aim at reducing physical workload and increasing coworker support.

The following articles refer to this text: 2009;35(4):301-308; 2010;36(1):1-2; 2015;41(1):102-104; 2018;44(5):521-529