Self-estimated life situation in patients on long-term sick leave

To analyse the influence of long-term sick leave on patients' life situation. Cross-sectional study based on 1350 individuals with a consecutive sick leave period of 12-18 months. Half were still on sick leave, half were no longer sick-listed. A total of 862 participants answered a postal quest...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of rehabilitation medicine 2005-09, Vol.37 (5), p.291-299
Main Authors: Floderus, Birgitta, Göransson, Sara, Alexanderson, Kristina, Aronsson, Gunnar
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Alcohol consumption
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Guilt
Humans
Interpersonal Relations
Leisure Activities
Life Style
Long term sick leave
Male
Medicin och hälsovetenskap
Middle Aged
Psychological wellbeing
Psychophysiologic Disorders - diagnosis
Psychophysiologic Disorders - etiology
Psychophysiologic Disorders - psychology
Quality of Life
Self Concept
Sick Leave
Sleep
Socioeconomic Factors
Surveys and Questionnaires
Time Factors
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Summary:To analyse the influence of long-term sick leave on patients' life situation. Cross-sectional study based on 1350 individuals with a consecutive sick leave period of 12-18 months. Half were still on sick leave, half were no longer sick-listed. A total of 862 participants answered a postal questionnaire including 24 questions on consequences of their sick leave on daily life. Results were analysed by gender, age and type of sick leave diagnosis. Associations between consequences and return to work were analysed by multiple logistic regression. Negative effects of long-term sick leave were particularly related to leisure activities, sleep and psychological well-being. A reduced alcohol intake was more prevalent than increased consumption. Among individuals with psychiatric diagnoses the consequences were polarized, with few persons unaffected, while the effects were more unipolar and negative in other diagnostic groups. Women experienced positive consequences more often than men, attributed to relationships with children and partner, sleep and psychological well-being. Improved sleep was associated with return to work, particularly among older individuals. Negative consequences on life situation are far more common than positive consequences among patients on long-term sick leave. Benefits as well as adverse effects differ depending on diagnosis, age and gender.
ISSN:1650-1977
DOI:10.1080/16501970510034422