Onset of Work Restriction in Employed Adults with Lower Limb Joint Pain: Individual Factors and Area-Level Socioeconomic Conditions

Ross Wilkie,Kelvin P Jordan,Glenn Pransky,Milisa Blagojevic-Bucknall

doi:10.1007/s10926-013-9443-z

Abstract

Purpose To examine individual and area-level socioeconomic factors that predict the onset of work restriction in employed persons with lower limb joint pain. Methods Population-based prospective cohort study. Adults were aged 50–59, reported hip, knee, foot pain or a combination and maintained employment through 3 year follow-up (n = 716). Work restriction was measured as inability to participate in work as desired. Multi-level logistic regression was used to assess the associations of work restriction onset with baseline factors: health (severity of knee pain/functional limitation, comorbidity, anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment, abnormal weight), demographic socio-economic, environment and area-level employment deprivation. Results 108 (15.1 %) reported the onset of work restriction over 3 years. Severe lower limb joint pain and functional limitation, number of affected body sites and area employment deprivation were independently associated with onset. Significant interactions indicated a greater effect of area employment deprivation on older and more depressed workers. Conclusions Results suggest that effectively preventing work disability in those with OA will require both condition-specific interventions to decrease pain and maintain function, and providing alternative employment opportunities for those with progressive functional limitations. Results in older workers are particularly concerning, as retirement ages are expected to increase in the general population.

Highlights

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint condition in adults and globally is the fastest increasing major heath condition [1]
This paper explores both individual and area-level contextual socioeconomic factors that predict the onset of work restriction in those with lower limb osteoarthritis who remain in work
We focused on persons with lower extremity osteoarthritis symptoms, as it was presumed that these conditions would have an impact on work participation across a wide range of jobs, interfering with travel to and from work, and within the workplace

Summary

Introduction

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint condition in adults and globally is the fastest increasing major heath condition [1]. It is recognised as one of the leading and rapidly growing causes of disability [2]. Work restriction is one form of disability and will become more important as adults work to older ages prior to state pension awards, and have greater financial needs resulting from inadequate retirement resources [3]. The rise in state pension age raises the likelihood that the prevalence of adults in employment with lower limb joint pain will increase. The extent to which this will result in greater work restriction among older adults is unclear

Methods

Results

Conclusion