Self-reported Work Ability and Work Performance in Workers with Chronic Nonspecific Musculoskeletal Pain

Haitze J De Vries,Jan H B Geertzen,Johan W Groothoff,Michiel F Reneman,Sandra Brouwer

doi:10.1007/s10926-012-9373-1

Abstract

Purpose To assess self-reported work ability and work performance of workers who stay at work despite chronic nonspecific musculoskeletal pain (CMP), and to explore which variables were associated with these outcomes. Methods In a cross-sectional study we assessed work ability (Work Ability Index, single item scale 0–10) and work performance (Health and Work Performance Questionnaire, scale 0–10) among 119 workers who continued work while having CMP. Scores of work ability and work performance were categorized into excellent (10), good (9), moderate (8) and poor (0–7). Hierarchical multiple regression and logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relation of socio-demographic, pain-related, personal- and work-related variables with work ability and work performance. Results Mean work ability and work performance were 7.1 and 7.7 (poor to moderate). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that higher work ability scores were associated with lower age, better general health perception, and higher pain self-efficacy beliefs (R2 = 42 %). Higher work performance was associated with lower age, higher pain self-efficacy beliefs, lower physical work demand category and part-time work (R2 = 37 %). Logistic regression analysis revealed that work ability ≥8 was significantly explained by age (OR = 0.90), general health perception (OR = 1.04) and pain self-efficacy (OR = 1.15). Work performance ≥8 was explained by pain self-efficacy (OR = 1.11). Conclusions Many workers with CMP who stay at work report poor to moderate work ability and work performance. Our findings suggest that a subgroup of workers with CMP can stay at work with high work ability and performance, especially when they have high beliefs of pain self-efficacy. Our results further show that not the pain itself, but personal and work-related factors relate to work ability and work performance.

Highlights

Chronic nonspecific musculoskeletal pain (CMP) accounts for large costs to society [1, 2]
Purpose To assess self-reported work ability and work performance of workers who stay at work despite chronic nonspecific musculoskeletal pain (CMP), and to explore which variables were associated with these outcomes
Many workers with CMP who stay at work report poor to moderate work ability and work performance

Summary

Introduction

Chronic nonspecific musculoskeletal pain (CMP) accounts for large costs to society [1, 2]. Many workers with CMP report decreased work ability or work performance, which impairs their work productivity [3, 4] and may lead to longterm sickness absence and work disability. Many workers with CMP discontinue work, most workers are able to cope with CMP and still attend work while having pain [5, 6]. It is under debate whether remaining at work with chronic pain is wise: it may adversely affect health [7] and the question is whether these workers remain productive. It is of importance to focus research on highly disabled or sick-listed groups, and on its successful counterpart [8] and to learn which factors are associated with work ability and work performance in workers who stay at work with CMP.

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Results

Conclusion