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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 01-02-2008 | Short Communication

Quality of life and illness perception in working and sick-listed chronic RSI patients

Authors: Judith K. Sluiter, Monique H. W. Frings-Dresen

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 4/2008

Abstract

Objective

To study differences between working and sick-listed chronic repetitive strain injury (RSI) patients in the Netherlands with respect to indices of quality of life and illness perception.

Methods

In a cross-sectional design, one questionnaire was sent to all 3,250 members of the national RSI patient association. For descriptive purposes, demographics, work status and complaint-related variables such as severity, type, duration, and extent of complaints were asked for. Indices of quality of life were assessed through seven SF-36 subscales (physical (role) functioning, emotional role functioning, social functioning, pain, mental health and vitality). A work-ability estimate and VAS scales were used to assess complaint-related decrease in quality of life. Illness perception was assessed through the brief illness perception questionnaire (IPQ-B). Working patients and sick-listed patients were identified. Tests between the two independent groups were performed and P-values < 0.01 were considered significant.

Results

Data from 1,121 questionnaires were used. Two-thirds of the respondents worked and one-third were sick-listed. Average duration of complaints was over 5 years in both groups. The sick-listed patients reported significantly more severe and extensive complaints than did the working patients. In addition, sick-listed patients reported significantly poorer mental health, physical (role) functioning, emotional role functioning, pain, vitality, and work-ability. With respect to illness perception, both groups showed the same concerns about their complaints, but sick-listed patients had significantly more distorted perceptions in their emotional response, identity, treatment control, personal control, timeline, and life consequences. Complaint-related decrease in quality of life was 31% in the working patients and 49% in the sick-listed patients.

Conclusion

The study found a greater number and severe complaints among sick-listed chronic RSI patients and a considerably decreased quality of life because of their complaints. These findings may allow for a better treatment focus in the future.

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Title: Quality of life and illness perception in working and sick-listed chronic RSI patients
Authors: Judith K. Sluiter
Monique H. W. Frings-Dresen
Publication date: 01-02-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 4/2008
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-007-0222-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Quality of life and illness perception in working and sick-listed chronic RSI patients

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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