PubMed · 10272916
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R H Ward, N A Hirsch. 1985. Reducing employee absenteeism: a program that works.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10272916/
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OBJECTIVE: To define work-related factors associated with increased risk of work disability (WD) in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Questionnaires were mailed to all RA patients who used a province-wide arthritis treatment program between 1991 and 1998 (n = 1,824). The association between risk factors and WD (defined as no paid work due to RA for at least 6 months) was assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis, controlling for significant sociodemographic and disease-related variables. RESULTS: Of the original 1,824 patients, 581 were eligible and responded to the questionnaire. Work survival analysis revealed a steady rate of WD starting early, with 7.5%, 18%, and 27% work disabled at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Significant determinants in multiple logistic regression were physical function (Health Assessment Questionnaire), pain (visual analog scale), and 6 work-related factors: self employment, workstation modification, work importance, family support toward employment, commuting difficulty, and comfort telling coworkers about RA. CONCLUSION: Work disability occurs early in RA. Novel work-related factors were identified, which are potentially modifiable, to help RA patients stay employed.
AIMS: To determine the predictors of health care seeking, assess the types of health care professional consulted and to calculate the work absenteeism rates and interruptions to daily activities among non-cardiac chest pain patients. METHODS: A total of 212 patients who presented to a Tertiary Hospital Emergency Department over a 1-year period with acute chest pain were assessed according to a standard diagnostic protocol and completed the Chest Pain Questionnaire (CPQ). RESULTS: In the previous 12 months prior to presentation to the Emergency Department, 78% of patients had seen a health care professional for chest pain. The main health care professionals seen were general practitioners (85%), cardiologists (74%) and gastroenterologists (30%). Work absenteeism rates because of non-cardiac chest pain were high (29%) as were interruptions to daily activities (63%). Multiple logistic regression found that acid regurgitation was the only independent predictive symptom associated with consulting for non-cardiac chest pain (OR = 3.97, 95% CI: 1.25-12.63). CONCLUSIONS: Consulting for chest pain is common is this group of patients. The type of health care professional seen appears to be moderated by the frequency and severity of reflux symptoms among these chest pain patients. Work absenteeism and interruptions to daily activities is high among chest pain sufferers.
AIMS: To describe the occupational implications and impact of low back pain (LBP) in a birth cohort now aged 26. METHODS: The LBP data were collected by an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Study members were asked about the prevalence and frequency of LBP and, for the worst episode, details were sought on occupation, time off work or job limitation, the severity of the discomfort, and disability. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 980 individuals, and 969 individuals answered the questionnaire. Of these 969 individuals, 524 (54%) experienced LBP in the previous 12 months, with a modal frequency of three or more times a year. For the 448 individuals with a current occupation, there was no difference in the distribution of LBP between those with professional, clerical, and technical jobs and those with production or trades jobs. Fifty-six individuals had to have time off work (the majority for less than 7 days), and 13 individuals could not look after themselves because of pain. Based on data gathered on 26 year olds, the cost to the economy is estimated as NZ500 million dollars per annum. CONCLUSION: LBP is prevalent and disabling even in young people, and has high costs. The natural history of the disorder is still largely unknown, but work does play a part. Although getting a person back to work may still be the best treatment, it is important to address the workplace factors.