Sickness absence due to different musculoskeletal diagnoses by occupational class: a register-based study among 1.2 million Finnish employees

Abstract

ObjectivesThose in lower occupational classes have an increased risk of sickness absence due to musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs), but studies examining the associations simultaneously across specified diagnostic groups within MSDs are lacking. We examined occupational class differences in the occurrence and length of long-term sickness absence due to different musculoskeletal diagnoses.MethodsA 70% random sample of employed Finns aged 25–64 years old at the end of 2013 was linked to data on sickness absence of over 10 working days obtained from The Social Insurance Institution of Finland and occupational class from Statistics Finland. Sickness absences due to MSDs initiated in 2014 were followed until the end of each episode for female (n=675 636) and male (n=604 715) upper non-manuals, lower non-manuals and manual workers. Negative binomial hurdle models were used to analyse the associations.ResultsWithin the studied MSDs, the most common causes of absence were back disorders, particularly back pain, and shoulder disorders. Osteoarthritis, disc disorders and rheumatoid arthritis induced the longest episodes of absence. Clear hierarchical class differences were found throughout, but the magnitude of the differences varied across the diagnostic causes. The largest class differences in the occurrence were detected in shoulder disorders and back pain. The class differences in length were greatest in rheumatoid arthritis, disc disorders and, among men, also in hip osteoarthritis.ConclusionsHierarchical occupational class differences were found across different MSDs, with large differences in back and shoulder disorders. Occupational class and diagnosis should be considered when attempting to reduce sickness absence due to MSDs.

Do work ability and well-being matter for return to work? Cut-off points for the Work Ability Index and Life Satisfaction Questionnaire among women with long-term musculoskeletal pain

“…Impaired work ability and reduced well-being due to long-term musculoskeletal pain (MSP) in the neck, shoulder and back are considered occupational health problems that can result in workers taking sick leave (SL) [1][2][3][4]. Long-term SL, in particular, constitutes a major economic burden for society [5,6].…”

“…Studies have shown that the prevalence and incidence of SL due to long-term MSP (≥ 3 months) is high among women [2,7]. According to a recent report from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (SIA), 61%…”

Understanding the physical and psychological impairments and associated disability characterising individuals with ankle symptoms and osteoarthritis

“…It is not surprising that individuals with ankle symptoms reported higher work limitations than the controls; as 67% of the symptomatic reported moderate to considerable work limitations compared to 1.9% of the control (see chapter 8). The negative impact of chronic pain on work participation has been reported in the literature 432,433 . The symptomatic group also reported higher levels of depression, lower function and were 9% more likely to present with clinical catastrophizing than controls.…”

“…Chronic pain has also been reported to negatively impact on work performance 432 and attendance 433 . A Finnish study of 1.2 million employees identified that musculoskeletal conditions (OA, disc disorders and rheumatoid arthritis) were associated with long episodes of sick leave 433 .…”

“…Chronic pain has also been reported to negatively impact on work performance 432 and attendance 433 . A Finnish study of 1.2 million employees identified that musculoskeletal conditions (OA, disc disorders and rheumatoid arthritis) were associated with long episodes of sick leave 433 . A myriad of factors can influence employment and work participation, such as depressive symptoms 434 , lower self-efficacy 435 , physical work conditions and work stress 436 , work ergonomics 437 feeling of control at work 438 , and multiple pain sites 439 .…”