Article

Chronic work disability generates high financial costs for society and
causes personal suffering to patients and their families; however, crucial
knowledge about the factors associated with long-term sick leave is still
missing. This study provides insight, from the perspective of chronic work
disabled patients, into the perpetuating factors for long-term sick leave and
promoting factors for return to work. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five focus group
interviews were conducted with 27 patients with different disorders who had been
on long-term sickness absence (18 months or more). Qualitative data analysis was
performed using a conceptual framework to identify barriers and enablers for
return to work. RESULTS: Four main themes of important perpetuating factors for
long-term sick leave were identified: health-related obstacles, personal
obstacles, social obstacles, and work-related obstacles. Four main themes of
important promoting factors for return to work were identified: favourable
working conditions, positive personal characteristics of the employee, the
influence of the social environment, and the influence of the personal economic
situation. CONCLUSION: Besides sickness, several non-medical factors are
recognized barriers for return to work. Factors such as illness perceptions and
self-efficacy expectations are reported to be promoting factors for return to
work.

Langue : ANGLAIS