PubMed2006
PURPOSE: The aim was to compare self-rated health, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), social networks and health care utilisation of those granted disability pension (DP) and those not granted disability pension (nDP). METHOD: Demographic data and medical diagnoses were obtained from the records of the social insurance office. Data concerning self-reported health, HRQoL social networks, and use of health care were collected by a postal questionnaire. The nDP group included all those not granted full DPs between 1999 and 2000 (n = 99). The DP group were a random sample of those granted full DPs, during the same period (n = 197). RESULTS: The nDP group had more often multiple diagnoses, and lower self-reported health and HRQoL compared to those granted DP. In particular, their average scores were lower on the SF-36 scales social functioning, role limitations due to physical problems and mental health. The nDP group also had significantly smaller social networks. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to expectations, those not granted a disability pension do not seem to have better health, but rather to suffer from more sickness than those who were granted a disability pension.