Describing patients with a duration of sick leave over and under one year in Norway |
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| Authors: | Henrik B. Jacobsen Johan Håkon Bjørngaard Petter C. Borchgrevink Astrid Woodhouse Marius S. Fimland Karen W. Hara |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway;2. Hysnes Rehabilitation Center, St Olav’s University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway;3. National Competence Centre for Pain and Complex Disorders, St Olav’s University Hospital, Trondheim, Norwayhenrik.b.jacobsen@ntnu.no;5. Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway;6. Forensic Department and Research Centre Br?set, St Olav’s University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway;7. National Competence Centre for Pain and Complex Disorders, St Olav’s University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway;8. Hysnes Rehabilitation Center, St Olav’s University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway;9. Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway |
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| Abstract: | Objective: This study aimed to describe the somatic, social, psychological, and work-related factors that characterize participants with a duration of sick leave over and under one year. Methods: During 2012, 181 patients on long-term sick leave were consecutively recruited and asked to answer an extensive survey. Several outcomes were reported, addressing work-related factors and somatic, psychological, and social symptoms. In cross-sectional analyses, sick leave duration was dichotomized as > or < one year, based on Norwegian legislation. Linear and logistic regressions were used to estimate population probabilities and means. Results: The estimated prevalence of pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression was overall high. There was a tendency towards a higher prevalence of fatigue, anxiety, and depression in those with sick leave duration less than one year, with the exception of sleep problems, which was more frequent in the population with longer duration. Relationship with friends, family, co-workers, and the last workplace were worse in the population with longer duration. Conclusions: Cross-sectional analyses indicated that social and work-related problems are more adverse in patients with longer duration of sick leave, while psychological and somatic symptoms appear less adverse. This is one of the first studies quantitatively demonstrating these differences through comprehensive, simultaneously measured self-report questionnaires. |
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| Keywords: | work-related factors social factors sick leave duration return-to-work rehabilitation |
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