Abstract
PurposeThe objective of this systematic review was to explore and provide systematically assessed information about the association between person-related factors and work participation of people with health problems. The research question was: what is the association between selected person-related factors and work participation of workers with health problems?MethodsA systematic review was carried out in PubMed and PsycINFO to search for original papers published between January 2007 and February 2017. The risk of bias of the studies included was assessed using quality assessment tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE framework for prognostic studies.ResultsIn total, 113 studies were included, all of which addressed the association between person-related factors and work participation. The factors positively associated with work participation were positive expectations regarding recovery or return to work, optimism, self-efficacy, motivation, feelings of control, and perceived health. The factors negatively associated with work participation were fear-avoidance beliefs, perceived work-relatedness of the health problem, and catastrophizing. Different coping strategies had a negative or a positive relationship with work participation.ConclusionsThe results of this review provide more insight into the associations between different cognitions and perceptions and work participation. The results of this study suggest that person-related factors should be considered by occupational- and insurance physicians when they diagnose, evaluate or provide treatment to employees. Further research is required to determine how these physicians could obtain and apply such information and whether its application leads to a better quality of care.
Highlights
Sickness absence has negative financial consequences and leads to a loss of enthusiasm and satisfaction with the work situation (Sieurin et al 2009)
In addition to disease-related and environmental factors, person-related factors such as cognitions and perceptions of employees play a role in work participation (Dekkers-Sánchez et al 2013; Iles et al 2008; Vooijs et al 2015)
The reasons for excluding these articles were: (1) study group did not consist of employees; (2) participants did not have health problems at baseline; (3) factors of interest were not studied; (4) outcome of interest was not studied; (5) study method or results were not described; or (6) other study type thanrandomized controlled trials, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, qualitative studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Summary
Sickness absence has negative financial consequences and leads to a loss of enthusiasm and satisfaction with the work situation (Sieurin et al 2009). Long-term sick leave can lead to lower self-confidence, a depressed mood and feelings of isolation (Bryngelson 2009; Vingård et al 2004). These negative consequences of sick leave constitute. In addition to disease-related and environmental factors, person-related factors such as cognitions and perceptions of employees play a role in work participation (Dekkers-Sánchez et al 2013; Iles et al 2008; Vooijs et al 2015). The cognitions and perceptions of an employee about his or her health problems or limitations, are factors in which clinicians could intervene to encourage work participation (Dekkers-Sánchez et al 2013; Verbeek 2006)
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