Sick-leave Duration Research Articles

Morbidity and suicide mortality following sick leave in relation to changes of social insurance regulations in Sweden.

Stricter regulations including time limits for sick leave have been introduced in Sweden in 2008, which might have resulted in higher morbidity in those on longer sick-leave spells after the introduction. This study aimed to examine (i) the association between all-cause and diagnosis-specific sickness absence and sick-leave duration with subsequent morbidity and suicide mortality and (ii) differences in socio-demographics and morbidity in individuals on sickness absence regarding changes of social insurance regulations. A population-based prospective study was conducted of two cohorts of individuals who lived in Sweden, aged between 20 and 64 years at 31 December 2005 (n = 4 477 678) and at 31 December 2008 (n = 4 500 400), respectively. Each of the cohorts was followed regarding inpatient healthcare and suicide. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated by Cox regression models. In the multivariate analyses, all-cause and diagnosis-specific sickness absence and sick-leave duration showed higher HRs for inpatient care and suicide in both cohorts (range of HR:1.10-2.59). HRs of inpatient care and suicide among individuals with mental sickness absence 2009 were reduced more after controlling for morbidity-related covariates, than such sickness absence in 2006. Individuals with mental and somatic sickness absence and sickness absence > 180 days in 2009 had higher HRs of somatic inpatient care than those on sickness absence in 2006. Diagnosis-specific sickness absence and long-term sickness absence in 2009 might be associated with more severe morbidity or work incapacity than in 2006 due to the stricter regulations.

Which patients do not return to work after total knee arthroplasty?

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is increasingly being performed among working patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. Two out of ten patients do not return to work (RTW) after TKA. Little evidence is available about these patients to guide clinicians. Therefore, this study investigates patients’ characteristics associated with no RTW. A multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed among working patients having undergone a primary TKA during 2005–2010. The following preoperative characteristics were assessed: age at surgery, sex, comorbidity, body mass index (BMI), preoperative sick-leave duration, patient-reported work-relatedness of knee symptoms, and physical job demands. In addition, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS) after TKA were assessed. Backward stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed to predict no RTW. Seven hundred and sixty-four patients were approached, and 558 patients (73 %) responded. One hundred and sixty-seven met the inclusion criteria and 46 did not RTW. A preoperative sick-leave duration >2 weeks (OR 12.5, 90 % CI 5.0–31.5) was most strongly associated with no RTW. Other associations found were: female sex (OR 3.2, 90 % CI 1.3–8.2), BMI ≥ 30 (OR 2.8, 90 % CI 1.1–7.1), patient-reported work-relatedness of knee symptoms (OR 5.3, 90 % CI 2.0–14.1), and a physically knee-demanding job (OR 3.3, 90 % CI 1.2–8.9). Age and KOOS were not associated with no RTW. Especially obese female workers, with a preoperative sick-leave duration >2 weeks, who perform knee-demanding work and indicate that their knee symptoms are work-related have a high chance for no RTW after TKA. These results stress the importance of a more timely referral for work-directed care of patients at risk for no RTW after TKA.

Sick-leave and help seeking among rescue workers after the terror attacks in Norway, 2011.

BackgroundSeveral studies have addressed psychological problems after terror attacks, especially among victims. Fewer have addressed possible health consequences among rescue workers involved with terror attacks. This study’s aim was to investigate the levels of sick-leave and psychological help seeking among rescue workers involved in the terror attacks in Norway on July 22, 2011, and to identify associations between sick-leave and background-, exposure- and work-related variables.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included five groups of professional rescue personnel and one group of unaffiliated volunteers. The questionnaire was distributed approximately 10 months after the terror attacks, with a response rate of 61.3 % (N = 1790).ResultsA total of 9.7 % of participants self-reported sick-leave. The rate varied from 2.4 % among police officers to 14.5 % among unaffiliated volunteers, p < .001. There were 0.0–1.2 % of the professionals who were on sick-leave for more than 2 weeks and 5.5 % among the unaffiliated volunteers. More unaffiliated volunteers (42.6 %) and psychosocial personnel (16.3 %) consulted a psychologist or psychiatrist compared to other groups (3–9 %), p < .001. General healthcare providers (OR 6.1), psychosocial personnel (OR 6.3) and unaffiliated volunteers (OR 5.7) were associated with sick-leave, together with unwanted stress reactions (OR 1.6) and starting work on July 22 (OR 1.6).ConclusionsA small minority of professional rescue workers reported sick-leave for more than 2 weeks, and few had sought psychological help. Unaffiliated volunteers reported more stress symptoms, longer sick-leave duration and more psychological help seeking. This group may benefit from more support.

Duration of Sick Leave, Patient's Postoperative Satisfaction and Impairment of Daily Living after Open Abdominal Myoma Enucleation in Dependence on Myoma Size.

Purpose: What is the average duration of sick leave and the postoperative impairment to daily living in dependence on the size of the removed myoma? Does patient satisfaction depend on the size of the removed myoma? Is there a difference in the rate of improvement of symptoms depending on the size of the myoma? Patient Collective: This is a retrospective survey of the data of 377 consecutive female patients treated for symptomatic uterus myomatosus by open abdominal myoma enucleation between 2/2002 and 12/2009; the number of removed myomas, myoma size and localisation, myoma-associated complaints, length of sick leave, postoperative impairments of daily living and scar length were assessed. Results: The response rate amounted to 61 % (230/377 patients). The average sick leave of patients with a myoma diameter ≥ 10 cm was 1.5 days shorter than that for patients with myomas < 10 cm. Depending on the symptoms between 7 and 75 % of the patients reported an improvement of their complaints. For those patients with myomas > 10 cm the proportion with an improvement in symptoms was smaller than that for the patients with smaller myomas - exception "feeling of pressure in the bladder". Conclusions: Even for relatively large myomas, the quality of life is not impaired more strongly or for longer periods than that after removal of smaller myomas. Activities of daily life are impaired for about 4 weeks.

Metabolic syndrome: influence on clinical severity and prognosis in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolic syndrome (MS) infl uence on clinical severity and prognosis in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Methods We prospectively analysed 250 patients with acute STEMI treated with primary PCI, between September 2011-2012. MS was diagnosed by the revised National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria. Patients were divided into two groups (with/without MS) and compared by their baseline data (medical history, demographic and anthropometric data) and parameters of severity (clinical, laboratory, echocardiography, coronary angiography and in-hospital complications data) and prognosis (major adverse cardiovascular events and sick leave duration (SLD) during 12 months of follow-up).Results Our study included 136 (54.4%) and 114 (45.6%) patients with and without MS, respectively. MS patients had longer hospitalization (9.0 vs 8.0 days), higher rates of total in-hospital complications (25.0% vs14.9%), higher number of signifi cantly stenosed coronary arteries (CAs) (2 vs1), higher stent diameters (3.5 vs3.0 mm) ,higher rate of signifi cantly stenosed proximal and middle CAs segments (94.1% vs86.7%), and longer SLD (16 vs10 weeks) (P <0.05). MS was independently associated with higher risk of total in-hospital complications (odds ratio (OR) 1.90, confi dence interval (CI) [1.06-3.64], P= 0.047) and with higher risk of ? 2 signifi cant stenosed CAs (OR 1.72, CI [1.04-2.84], P= 0.034).Conclusion MS in acute STEMI is an important predictor of total in-hospital complications and severity of CAs disease, but not for other parameters of severity and prognosis. MS patients have longer SLD.

Six-month Survival Analysis On the Return to Work After Inpatient Alcohol Withdrawal

Introduction In France alcohol is the second cause of death after smoking, and it is a main cause of absenteeism and disability at work. Over 50% of people who have not returned to work (RTW) after 6 months off never resume their professional activity. Objectives The aim of this study is to identify factors affecting the RTW after a residential alcohol withdrawal. Methods This is a prospective, non-interventional nested study (within a prognostic study of relapse after inpatient alcohol withdrawal) conducted from September 2013 to February 2014 in the Psychiatry and Addictology department of Bichat University Hospital in Paris. All alcohol-dependent sick-listed workers, admitted for a residential alcohol withdrawal have been included. Baseline assessment included sociodemographic, occupational, somatic, psychiatric and addictologic characteristics. The influence of these variables on RTW after 6 months follow-up have been studied using survival analysis. Results Among 107 eligible patients, 30 met the inclusion criteria and were followed up, and 22 (73.3%) had RTW before the end of the follow-up period. The median duration of sick-leave is 58.5 days, and the interquartile range is 15.5-246 days. The independent workers, employees on fixed-term contract, part-time employees and outdoor had shorter sick-leave. Severity of alcoholism, agoraphobia, residential withdrawal history, being sick-listed before hospitalization, longer duration of hospitalization and being transferred to aftercare service increased the duration of sick-leave. Conclusion This exploratory study identifies factors that impede and facilitate the RTW process after a residential alcohol withdrawal. Studies on a larger scale are needed to generalize the findings.

Influence of socioprofessional category on the duration of sick leave after hallux surgery. A prospective study of 102 cases

IntroductionSurgery of the forefoot including the hallux involves procedures on one bone or more. Usually bone union occurs within 45 days after surgery. During convalescence, the patient can gradually return to his/her activities. The duration of sick leave (SL) can be used to evaluate the influence of convalescence on professional life. The goal of this study was to evaluate the influence of the socioprofessional category (SPC) on the duration of SL after surgery of the forefoot including the hallux. Patients and methodsThis was a single center, single surgeon prospective cohort study performed between January 2012 and March 2013. It included working patients over 18 who underwent hallux surgery associated or not with surgery of the lateral rays. A standardized questionnaire was filled out during the postoperative day 45 consultation to determine factors that could influence the duration of sick leave. Regression models (Cox model) were used to indentify variables associated with the duration of sick leave. ResultsAmong the operated patients, 102 were included and divided into 5 SPC. SL lasted a mean 45 days (from 8 to 90 days). The only predictive factors for the duration of SL on multivariate analysis using SPC 2 as a reference were SPC and the VAS (Visual Analogue Scale). The mean duration of SL was 15 days for SPC 2, 35 days for SPC 3, 47 days for SPC 4, 50 days for SPC 5 and 67 days for SPC 6. Discussion–ConclusionThe distribution of SPC was comparable to that of the working population in the Île de France. The SPC appears to be a predictive factor for the duration of SL after hallux surgery. Severe pain seems to increase the duration of SL. Surgeons and patients should be informed accordingly. Level of evidenceLevel IV.

Testing a New 10-Item Scale (Pindʼs LBP Test) for Prediction of Sick Leave Lasting More Than Three Days or More Than Two Weeks After a General Practitioner Visit for Acute Low Back Pain

A study on acute low back pain (LBP) in consecutive working patients in a multicenter study in general practice. LBP costs are enormous in all countries. New guidelines are difficult to introduce. On the basis of a new, specially developed LBP scale, the aims were to predict the duration of sick leave (SL), and to examine if the guidelines concerning bed rest (BR) and referral to radiographical examination were followed. Pain intensity and heavy work influence the course of SL. A finger-to-floor distance test assesses the mobility of the spine, and both the finger-to-floor distance test and the straight leg raising test (SLRT) can be used to predict the course of LBP. BR or waiting time for treatment or referral will prolong SL. The expectations of patients and general practitioners are strong outcome predictors as is information about the prognosis. A user-friendly 10-item questionnaire was specifically developed. The scale included the background date. From a predefined scale the patients were subgrouped into 3 categories in relation to SL: (1) "no SL" or "a few days of SL," (2) "1 week of SL," and (3) "more than 2 weeks of SL." The Fisher exact test was used to compare categorical variables. Twenty-three doctors examined 207 working patients. A total of 114 patients (56%) completed the follow-up questionnaire. The 10-item scale showed a good correlation between the total score at the first general practitioner visit and predictable time of SL according to the 3 periods.The frequency of BR and referral to radiographical examination was low, and perhaps this was a consequence of using the scale. The specially developed short and user-friendly 10-item LBP scale was a good predictor of the duration of SL. A low rate of BR and radiographical examination may even be the result of using the scale. N/A.

Determinants of Sick Leave Duration Following Occupational Injuries among Workers in the County of Gävleborg, Sweden

Background: Occupational injuries continue to add to the global burden of injuries. Recent global estimates show that up 317 million workers were injured in accidents at work that resulted in absence from work of four days or more. Whereas sick leave is important for rehabilitation and recovery, the duration of sick leave and consequent return to work is of concern in order to prevent negative outcomes. There is therefore a need to examine factors associated with sick leave duration among injured workers for effective rehabilitation. This study aimed to investigate the determinants of leave sick duration following occupational injuries. Method: The Swedish National Working Environment Agency keeps a record of all cases of occupational injuries requiring at least one day sick leave day and reported to Swedish Social Welfare Security Agency. The present study is register based using data from a total of 5291 cases of occupational injuries that occurred in the county of Gavleborg, Sweden between 2007 and 2012. Result: Sick leave longer than two weeks was highest for the self-employed and temporary workers although injury frequency was low for both groups. Fall injuries and injuries involving slip, trip and snapping or breaking of an object were more likely to lead to sick leave longer than two weeks. Shorter sick duration was observed among injured workers in the health and manufacturing sectors. Conclusions: Possible reasons for the observed results and the need for individual based rehabilitation process for effective and more meaningful return to work are discussed.

Are all-cause and diagnosis-specific sickness absence, and sick-leave duration risk indicators for suicidal behaviour? A nationwide register-based cohort study of 4.9 million inhabitants of Sweden

ObjectivesRecent studies have found an increased risk of suicide in people on sickness absence, but less is known about to what extent diagnosis-specific sickness absence is a risk indicator for...

Influence of high cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic people on the duration and cost of sick leave: results of the ICARIA study

We investigated the potential influence of a moderate-to-high cardiovascular (CV) risk (CVR) (defined as a Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation model, or SCORE ≥ 4%), in the absence of an established CV disease, on the duration and cost of CV and non-CV sick leave (SL) resulting from common and occupational accidents or diseases. We conducted a prospective cohort study on 690 135 workers with a 1-year follow-up and examined CV- and non-CV-related SL episodes. To obtain baseline values, CVR factors were initially assessed at the beginning of the year during routine medical examination. The CVR was calculated with the SCORE charts for all subjects. Moderate-to-high CVR was defined as SCORE ≥ 4%. A baseline SCORE ≥ 4% was associated with a higher risk for long-term CV and non-CV SL, as revealed by follow-up assessment. This translated into an increased cost, estimated at €5 801 464.18 per year. Furthermore, pharmacological treatment for hypertension or hyperlipidaemia was significantly associated with longer SL duration. Moderate-to-high CVR in asymptomatic subjects was significantly associated with the duration and cost of CV and non-CV SL. These results constitute the first body of evidence that the SCORE charts can be used to identify people with a non-established CV disease, which might ultimately translate into more lost workdays and therefore increased cost for society.

1768 – Sick-leave due to psychiatric disorder among women

Introduction Women take sick-leave more often than men, in general and especially because of psychiatric disorders. Objective The aim of the present study was to describe and analyse sick-leave due to psychiatric morbidity and its relation to age and occupation, with a special focus on sex differences. Method We conducted a retrospective and descriptive study in external consultation of the psychiatric hospital Razi. We collected the records of patients seen between 01/07/2011 and 30/09/2012 and who received sick leave for psychiatric illness. Results 92 patients were included (78 female, 14 male) with mean age of 43,6 years. Sick-leave duration was longer for women. The greatest gender differences were found in the youngest and oldest age-groups. Women had higher incidence also in the longest spells (86% vs 14%). Depressive disorders were found among 73% of cases. Highest incidence of sick-leave was found among those with a combination of psychiatric and physical morbidity. Conclusion Psychiatric disorder is an important factor in sick-leave among women, especially regarding length of absence. Further studies on the influence of sex integration on sickness absence need to be done.

Interpersonal sensitivity associated with return to work status following sick leave: A cross-sectional study among Japanese workers with major depressive disorder

AimWe examined the relationship between return to work (RTW) from sick leave (SL) and personality traits in workers with major depressive disorder (MDD). MethodsEighty-eight Japanese individuals with ≥2 weeks of SL episode and with ≥2 months of pharmacotherapy history were assessed. Measurements included Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), Neuroticism, and Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (IPSM). Multivariate analyses were conducted to clarify the association between personality traits and RTW status. In order to minimize the state effect of depressive symptoms to personality traits, we performed an additional analysis among a subgroup of subjects in remission (HAM-D ≤7). ResultsThirty-seven subjects (42.0%) had returned to work. Among whole subjects, factors associated with RTW status were: shorter SL duration in the past 5 years, longer treatment duration of the recent major depressive episode, HAM-D ≤7, and IPSM ≤94. In the subgroup of remission subjects (n=53), factors associated with RTW status were: IPSM ≤94, no comorbid current anxiety disorder, and shorter SL duration in the past 5 years. ConclusionsLow interpersonal sensitivity, along with depression remission, was associated with post-SL RTW status among workers with MDD.

Organizational Return to Work Support and Sick Leave Duration

To analyze the association between organizational support and time to return to work (RTW) in workers with long-term non-work-related sick leave. Cohort participants were 571 workers, with a non-work-related sick leave episode of more than 15 days, recruited during the first visit in a health insurance company (mutua). Workers completed a baseline questionnaire regarding organizational RTW support measures and were followed until the end of the episodes. Return to work and time to RTW were established on the basis of the mutua's register. Multivariate Cox regression models were used. Workers in companies with an overall high organizational RTW support returned to work earlier. This effect was mainly due to workers in companies that provided specific RTW programs. Our findings suggest that companies play an important role in facilitating RTW for workers with long-term non-work-related sick leave episodes.

Correlating the Anatomical Site of Injury and Work-Related Factors With Sick Leave Duration Following Minor Musculoskeletal Injuries

ABSTRACT Many factors are associated with long sick leaves and therefore, reliance solely on disease-related factors can potentially underestimate sick leave durations. Here, we wanted to assess the association between the injury sites, work-related factors, and the length of sick leaves. Comprehensive medical legal reports of workers with pure minor musculoskeletal injuries were reviewed. 2029 reports of workers were included. 32.8% had sick leaves of less than a week in duration. Lower limb injuries were associated with longer sick leaves only in patients performing strenuous jobs. Public sector workers sustaining an injury at work and performing strenuous jobs were associated with longer sick leaves. Senior workers returned earlier to work, but age and gender were not strongly correlated with long sick leaves. There was a weak but significant association between sick leave duration and the period spent refraining from hobby activities, and almost all patients returned to their work before their hobbies.

Efficacy of a functional restoration program for chronic low back pain: Prospective 1-year study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of a functional restoration program for patients with chronic low back pain, using overall disability and work ability as the primary evaluation criteria. Patients and methodsWe prospectively studied patients aged 18years or older who had been on sick leave because of nonspecific low back pain for at least 3months and whose job position was still open. The program was delivered on a day-hospital basis 5days a week for 5weeks. Patients were followed up for 1year. ResultsWe included 39 patients, 11 females and 28 males with a mean (±SD) age of 43±8years and a mean sick-leave duration of 10±7months. After 1year, 26 (67%) patients reported improvements and 25 (64%) had returned to work. Compared to the year before the program, the number of sick leave days was decreased by 51% (120±140 vs. 244±114, P<0.05). The work-and-leisure-activities subscore of the validated French version of the Dallas Pain Questionnaire (DRAD) was significantly improved (57±24 vs. 70±17 at baseline, P<0.05). The patients still on sick leave after 1year were older and had greater alterations in baseline DRAD subscores for anxiety/depression and daily activities, compared to the patients who had returned to work. ConclusionsOur functional restoration program was effective and allowed two-thirds of patients to resume work. Factors associated with failure to resume work were well-known correlates of chronicity. Our results support the use of functional restoration programs in patients with incapacitating low back pain. They suggest that functional restoration may deserve to be started earlier, after only 3months with chronic pain, in patients who are unable to work.

Determinants of Regional Differences in Sick Leave Duration for Homogeneous Groups in the Netherlands: Their Implications for Social Security Policy-Making

Regional differences in sick leave duration determinants were studied between in age and profession homogeneous groups in different regions in The Netherlands, i.e. Utrecht and Southern Limburg, in order to find any effects of socio-cultural factors. 137 participants in Utrecht and Southern Limburg were interviewed. Data of sick leave duration were obtained from the social fund. A statistical comparison of sick leave duration figures showed that, in Southern Limburg, determinants of 'health status' (questions about perceived health and burnout due to work) and 'individual characteristics and circumstances' (age, gender and satisfaction with private circumstances) were associated with sick leave duration and, in Utrecht, the 'work contents' determinant autonomy. In the regions studied, different determinants appeared to be associated with sick leave duration and for some of them the European integration was assumed to have a lasting effect. Nationwide policy interventions to reduce sick leave duration should take into account the existence of regional differences in determinants predicting sick leave duration and the potential effects of different socio-cultural characteristics on laying claim to social security.

Assessing factors influencing return back to work after cholecystectomy: a qualitative research

BackgroundCholecystectomy causes considerable financial burden on society with a major part caused by sick-leave. There are wide variations in duration of sick-leave. The aim of our study was to identify all aspects that influence the moment of return to work by using focus groups and to compare responses from patients and physicians.MethodsA qualitative research design was planned using focus group discussions. Four focus group discussions were organized: two patient groups and two physician groups. Employed patients who had recovered after cholecystectomy were included in the patient groups. The physicians groups consisted of general practitioners, surgeons, and company physicians. Three investigators independently searched transcriptions of the sessions for all items relating to return to work. The importance of items and categories were assessed by determining frequencies.ResultsIn the patients groups physical limitations (35.3%) and individual patient factors (17.5%) were important factors in the duration of sick-leave, while influence or advice comprised only 8.4% of the items. In the physicians groups influence or advice (21.8%) and information-related factors (21.4%) were thought to be important categories.ConclusionsPhysicians perceive their advices as an important factor in patients' duration of sick-leave. In contrast, patients seldom mention this factor and experience physical complaints as the major reason influencing the moment of return to work.

Determinants of sick-leave duration: A tool for managers?

To provide managers with tools to manage episodes of sick-leave of their employees, the influence of factors such as age, gender, duration of tenure, working full-time or part-time, cause and history of sick-leave, salary and education on sick-leave duration was studied. In a cross-sectional study, data derived from the 2005 sick-leave files of a Dutch university were examined. Odds ratios of the single risk factors were calculated for short spells (<or=7 days), medium spells (8- 42 days), long spells (43-91 days) or extended spells (>or=91 days) of sick-leave. Next, these factors were studied in multiple regression models. Age, gender, duration of employment, cause and history of sick-leave, salary and membership of scientific staff, studied as single factors, have a significant influence on sick-leave duration. In multiple models, this influence remains for gender, salary, age, and history and cause of sick-leave. Only in medium or long spells and regarding the risk for a long or an extended spell do the predictive values of models consisting of psychological factors, work-related factors, salary and gender become reasonable. The predictive value of the risk factors used in this study is limited, and varies with the duration of the sick-leave spell. Only the risk for an extended spell of sick-leave as compared to a medium or long spell is reasonably predicted. Factors contributing to this risk may be used as tools in decision-making.

Factors associated with postoperative recovery after laparoscopic and abdominal hysterectomy

Objectives To determine whether the day-by-day recovery of general wellbeing was faster in women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy than in total abdominal hysterectomy and to analyse the association between stress coping and sick-leave and the day-by-day recovery measured as general wellbeing. Study design A randomised multicentre trial conducted in five hospitals in the South East of Sweden. Hundred and twenty-five women scheduled for hysterectomy for benign conditions were enrolled in the study and 117 women completed the study. Fifty-five women were randomised to abdominal hysterectomy and 62 to laparoscopic hysterectomy. Day-by-day recovery of general wellbeing was measured by a visual analogue scale 1 week preoperatively, 35 days postoperatively, and during 1 week 6 months postoperatively. Stress-coping capability was measured preoperatively using a specific psychometric measurement. Sick-leave was granted with an initial period of 14 days and prolonged on patient demand with 7 days periods. Effects of operating method and stress-coping ability on the day-by-day recovery adjusted for postoperative complications and analgesics were analysed by means of analysis of variance for repeated measurements. Results No significant difference was found in the day-by-day recovery of the general wellbeing between the operating methods. Stress-coping ability did significantly influence the day-by-day recovery of general wellbeing. Duration of sick-leave was associated with the occurrence of postoperative complications but not with stress-coping ability. Conclusions The day-by-day recovery of general wellbeing is not faster in laparoscopic hysterectomy than in abdominal hysterectomy. Women with high stress-coping abilities have a better outcome in general wellbeing than women with low stress-coping capacity. Identification of women with low stress-coping abilities and prevention of complications might be of benefit for improving postoperative wellbeing.