Article

This study aimed to explore the perceived work ability of patients with
postpoliomyelitis syndrome (PPS), to identify barriers and factors that are
impeding or conducive, respectively, to work participation, and to identify
possible interventions. METHODS: Qualitative cross-sectional interview study with
17 subjects with PPS, 12 women and 5 men, mean age 49 years (SD: 11).
Semi-structured interviews were held with the subjects in their homes, with the
aid of a topic list. The COREQ criteria list for qualitative research was used as
guideline in design and analysis. RESULTS: Thirteen out of 17 subjects rated
their work ability six or higher on a scale from 0 to 10. Most subjects worked in
an administrative, educational or managerial function. Five subjects stopped
working, four worked between 0 and 20 h/week and eight worked between 20 and 40
h/week. Factors conducive to working were physical adaptations in the workplace,
accessibility of the workplace and high decision latitude. Barriers to full work
ability in PPS patients were high physical job demands, low social support and
the symptoms of PPS, especially fatigue and pain. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
suggest that work-oriented interventions aimed at preventing PPS patients from
dropping out of the workforce should primarily focus on reducing physical job
demands, arranging adaptations in the workplace and increasing job control.

Langue : ANGLAIS