Self‐Efficacy Beliefs Predict Sustained Long‐Term Sick Absenteeism in Individuals With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Abstract

Recovery beliefs are assumed to predict rehabilitation outcomes and return-to-work in various clinical conditions but are less frequently assessed in musculoskeletal disorders. We tested the hypothesis that recovery beliefs constitute a risk factor for sustained long-term sick absenteeism in men and women suffering from nonspecific chronic musculoskeletal disorders. A total of 233 subjects with a recent or ongoing experience of long-term sick leave were included in a prospective design. Subjects answered a postal baseline questionnaire and were followed up via register data for 1 year. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that subjects with negative recovery beliefs (OR: 2.41; CI: 1.22-4.77), low sense of mastery (OR: 2.08; CI: 1.27-3.40), perceived high mental demands at work (OR: 1.77; CI: 1.05-2.99), and prior experiences of long-term sick absenteeism (OR: 1.86; CI: 1.02-3.37) had an increased probability of receiving sickness benefits at follow-up. We conclude that prolonged sickness absence contributes strongly to increase patients' sense of helplessness, lower self-efficacy, and hinder future work return. To improve work return, patients' maladaptive beliefs should be clarified and challenged early in the rehabilitation process.

Person-related factors associated with work participation in employees with health problems: a systematic review

“…In total, 32 quantitative studies investigated the association between expectations regarding recovery or RTW and work participation (Table 1: Audhoe et al 2012; Besen et al 2015; Boot et al 2008; Busch et al 2007; Carriere et al 2015a, b; Carstens et al 2014; Coggon et al 2013; Cowan et al 2012; Du Bois et al 2009; Ekberg et al 2015; Gross and Battié 2010; Hou et al 2008, 2012; Iakova et al 2012; Jensen et al 2013; Johansson et al 2010; Lindell et al 2010; Magnussen et al 2007b; Murgatroyd et al 2016; Nieuwenhuijsen et al 2013; Opsahl et al 2016; Reme et al 2009; Richter et al 2011; Rönnberg et al 2007; Sampere et al 2012; Sluiter and Frings-Dresen 2008; Spector et al 2012; Truchon et al 2012; Turner et al 2008; Vuistiner et al 2015; Wåhlin et al 2012). The majority of these studies found evidence of a positive association, which suggests that having positive expectations about one’s recovery or chances of RTW has a positive effect on work participation for employees with health problems (Audhoe et al 2012; Besen et al 2015; Busch et al 2007; Carriere et al 2015a, b; Carstens et al 2014; Cowan et al 2012; Du Bois et al 2009; Ekberg et al 2015; Gross and Battié 2010; Hou et al 2008, 2012; Jensen et al 2013; Johansson et al 2010; Lindell et al 2010; Magnussen et al 2007b; Murgatroyd et al 2016; Opsahl et al 2016; Reme et al 2009; Richter et al 2011; Rönnberg et al 2007; Sampere et al 2012; Sluiter and Frings-Dresen 2008; Spector et al 2012; Truchon et al 2012; Vuistiner et al 2015; Wåhlin et al 2012).…”

“…The majority of these studies found evidence of a positive association, which suggests that having positive expectations about one’s recovery or chances of RTW has a positive effect on work participation for employees with health problems (Audhoe et al 2012; Besen et al 2015; Busch et al 2007; Carriere et al 2015a, b; Carstens et al 2014; Cowan et al 2012; Du Bois et al 2009; Ekberg et al 2015; Gross and Battié 2010; Hou et al 2008, 2012; Jensen et al 2013; Johansson et al 2010; Lindell et al 2010; Magnussen et al 2007b; Murgatroyd et al 2016; Opsahl et al 2016; Reme et al 2009; Richter et al 2011; Rönnberg et al 2007; Sampere et al 2012; Sluiter and Frings-Dresen 2008; Spector et al 2012; Truchon et al 2012; Vuistiner et al 2015; Wåhlin et al 2012). However, some of these studies indicated that the effect was dependent on the subgroup of participants or the form of expectations (Ekberg et al 2015; Gross and Battié 2010; Murgatroyd et al 2016; Sluiter and Frings-Dresen 2008; Wåhlin et al 2012).…”

“…There were 14 quantitative studies which addressed the possible positive association between feelings of control and work participation (Table 1: Boot et al 2008; Busch et al 2007; Ekberg et al 2015; Karoly et al 2013; Krause et al 2013; Murphy et al 2011; Richard et al 2011; Roesler et al 2013; Selander et al 2007; Sluiter and Frings-Dresen 2008; Torres et al 2009; Truchon et al 2010; Vlasveld et al 2013; Volker et al 2015). The results of six studies indicated that the feeling of having more control is associated with more work participation (Busch et al 2007; Roesler et al 2013; Selander et al 2007; Sluiter and Frings-Dresen 2008; Truchon et al 2010; Vlasveld et al 2013).…”

“…The results of six studies indicated that the feeling of having more control is associated with more work participation (Busch et al 2007; Roesler et al 2013; Selander et al 2007; Sluiter and Frings-Dresen 2008; Truchon et al 2010; Vlasveld et al 2013). These results were supported by one qualitative study by Dionne et al (2013), in which it was reported that participants who did not RTW considered that their return depended more on factors related to their environment than on personal factors.…”

Self-Efficacy and Self-Care: Missing Ingredients in Health and Healthcare among Adults with Serious Mental Illnesses

“…First, self-efficacy plays an important role in coping with chronic physical illnesses and engaging in health-promoting behavior [28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36]; we would expect it to play no less of a role in serious mental illness. Second, these data suggest that any effort to improve the wellness of these adults with serious mental illnesses will need to address self-efficacy as a foundation for improving self-care for their physical health needs.…”