Determinants of work ability and its predictive value for disability

Background Maintaining the ability of workers to cope with physicaland psychosocial demands at work becomes increasingly importantin prolonging working life. Aims To analyse the effects of work-related factors and individualcharacteristics on work ability and to determine the predictivevalue of work ability on receiving a work-related disabilitypension. Methods A longitudinal study was conducted among 850 constructionworkers aged 40 years and older, with average follow-up periodof 23 months. Disability was defined as receiving a disabilitypension, granted to workers unable to continue working in theirregular job. Work ability was assessed using the work abilityindex (WAI). Associations between work-related factors and individualcharacteristics with work ability at baseline were evaluatedusing linear regression analysis, and Cox regression analysiswas used to evaluate the predictive value of work ability fordisability. Results Work-related factors were associated with a lower workability at baseline, but had little prognostic value for disabilityduring follow-up. The hazard ratios for disability among workerswith a moderate and poor work ability at baseline were 8 and32, respectively. All separate scales in the WAI had predictivepower for future disability with the highest influence of currentwork ability in relation to job demands and lowest influenceof diseases diagnosed by a physician. Conclusion A moderate or poor work ability was highly predictivefor receiving a disability pension. Preventive measures shouldfacilitate a good balance between work performance and healthin order to prevent quitting labour participation.