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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 18-03-2023 | Mood Disorders | Original Article

Predictors of return to work for people on sick leave with depression, anxiety and stress: secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Siv-Therese Bjørkedal, Jonas Fisker, Lone Christina Hellström, Andreas Hoff, Rie Mandrup Poulsen, Carsten Hjorthøj, Anders Bo Bojesen, Nicole Gremaud Rosenberg, Lene Falgaard Eplov

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 5/2023

Abstract

Purpose

Knowledge about predictors of return to work (RTW) in people on sick leave with common mental disorders (CMDs) may inform the development of effective vocational rehabilitation interventions for this target group. In this study, we investigated predictors of RTW at 6 and 12 months in people on sick leave with depression, anxiety disorders or stress-related disorders.

Methods

We have performed a secondary analysis, utilizing data from two RCTs that evaluated the efficacy of an integrated health care and vocational rehabilitation intervention. Data were obtained from mental health assessments, questionnaires and registers. Using Cox regression analysis, the relationship between baseline variables and RTW was analysed at 6 and 12 months after randomization within the group of CMD as a whole and within the subgroups of depression, anxiety and stress-related disorders.

Results

Symptom burden and employment status at baseline predicted RTW in the CMD group (n = 1245) and in the three diagnostic subgroups at both time points. RTW self-efficacy predicted RTW in the depression group but not in the anxiety or stress subgroups.

Conclusion

Many predictors of RTW were similar over time and, to some extent, across the CMD subgroups. Findings highlight the need not only to take health-related and psychological factors into account when developing vocational rehabilitation interventions but also to consider workplace strategies and options for support.

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Title: Predictors of return to work for people on sick leave with depression, anxiety and stress: secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Siv-Therese Bjørkedal
Jonas Fisker
Lone Christina Hellström
Andreas Hoff
Rie Mandrup Poulsen
Carsten Hjorthøj
Anders Bo Bojesen
Nicole Gremaud Rosenberg
Lene Falgaard Eplov
Publication date: 18-03-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Mood Disorders
Affective Disorder
Anxiety
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 5/2023
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-023-01968-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Predictors of return to work for people on sick leave with depression, anxiety and stress: secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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