Abstract
Purpose In our ageing workforce, the increasing numbers of employees with chronic diseases are encouraged to prolong their working lives. It is important to prevent health deterioration in this vulnerable group. This study aims to investigate whether work characteristics predict health deterioration over a 3-year period among employees with (1) chronic diseases, and, more specifically, (2) musculoskeletal and psychological disorders. Methods The study population consisted of 5600 employees aged 45–64 years with a chronic disease, who participated in the Dutch Study on Transitions in Employment, Ability and Motivation (STREAM). Information on work characteristics was derived from the baseline questionnaire. Health deterioration was defined as a decrease in general health (SF-12) between baseline and follow-up (1–3 years). Crude and adjusted logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate prediction of health deterioration by work characteristics. Subgroup analyses were performed for employees with musculoskeletal and psychological disorders. Results At follow-up, 19.2% of the employees reported health deterioration (N = 1075). Higher social support of colleagues or supervisor predicted health deterioration in the crude analyses in the total group, and the groups with either musculoskeletal or psychological disorders (ORs 1.11–1.42). This effect was not found anymore in the adjusted analyses. The other work characteristics did not predict health deterioration in any group. Conclusions This study did not support our hypothesis that work characteristics predict health deterioration among employees with chronic diseases. As our study population succeeded continuing employment to 45 years and beyond, it was probably a relatively healthy selection of employees.
Highlights
Many developed countries are confronted with ageing populations, which puts pressure on social security systems [1]
The increase of older workers in the workforce is likely to have consequences for the health composition of the workforce as well; as the prevalence of chronic diseases increases with age, it is likely that the workforce will consist of a larger proportion of persons suffering from chronic diseases
To the knowledge of the authors, the influence of work characteristics on the health course of employees with chronic diseases, and more specific with musculoskeletal and psychological disorders has not been studied before. To contribute to these gaps in the literature, this study aims to investigate whether work characteristics predict health deterioration over a 3-year period among employees with chronic diseases
Summary
Many developed countries are confronted with ageing populations, which puts pressure on social security systems [1]. Several governments responded to the changing composition of the population by reforms to reduce early exit from the workforce and stimulate prolonged working [1]. These measures are aimed at encouraging older workers to prolong their working lives. Accessibility to disability pension has been decreased in the Netherlands. These developments in social security may lead to increasing numbers of employees with chronic diseases in the workforce in the near future
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