Sofie Schuller, Angelique de Rijk, Linda Corin, Monica Bertilsson
{"title":"Mental Health Stigma in the Workplace and its Association with Possible Actions of Managers to Prevent Sickness Absence of Employees with Mental Health Problems in the Swedish Private Sector: a Video Vignette Study.","authors":"Sofie Schuller, Angelique de Rijk, Linda Corin, Monica Bertilsson","doi":"10.1007/s10926-024-10220-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10926-024-10220-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Mental health problems (MHPs) are subjected to workplace stigma and can deteriorate into common mental disorders (CMDs) and sickness absence (SA). Research has shown that personal stigmatizing attitudes limit managers' efforts towards employees with MHPs, but knowledge is lacking regarding stigma in social contexts (contextual stigma) and different types of possible preventive actions. This study investigates personal stigmatizing attitudes and three contextual stigma layers (employee, collegial, organizational) and different types of possible actions to prevent SA of employees with MHPs.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Survey data of 2769 Swedish managers working in the private sector were analysed. Personal stigmatizing attitudes were measured with the managerial stigma towards employee depression scale and supplemented with four additional items capturing contextual stigma. Managers watched video vignettes and assessed which preventive actions (n = 20) were possible to use in their organization. A sum score was calculated reflecting the 'number of actions'. Principal component analysis revealed three action types: adapt tasks and setting, involve experts, and social support. A score reflecting the 'possibilities to implement actions' was calculated for each type. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted with the four stigma layers as independent variables for each of the three action variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Personal stigmatizing attitudes and contextual stigma were significantly associated with both 'number of actions' and 'possibilities for implementing actions' relating to all action types. Patterns of associations with contextual stigma were significant but varied between the different action types.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study substantiated the role of personal stigmatizing attitudes and contextual stigma in relation to possible actions of managers to prevent SA of employees with MHPs. The results emphasize the role of contextual stigma. Implications for practice and research are discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"533-546"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12361319/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141581251","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marije E Hagendijk, Nina Zipfel, Marijke Melles, Philip J van der Wees, Carel T J Hulshof, Elmi Zwaan, Sylvia J van der Burg-Vermeulen, Jan L Hoving
{"title":"Patients' Needs Regarding Work-Focused Healthcare: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis.","authors":"Marije E Hagendijk, Nina Zipfel, Marijke Melles, Philip J van der Wees, Carel T J Hulshof, Elmi Zwaan, Sylvia J van der Burg-Vermeulen, Jan L Hoving","doi":"10.1007/s10926-024-10225-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10926-024-10225-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To identify, appraise, and synthesize qualitative research evidence exploring patients' needs regarding work-focused healthcare.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement guidelines to identify studies reporting patients' needs regarding work-focused healthcare. Four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsychInfo and Web of Science) were systematically searched from January 2000 until May 2023 and screened in duplicate by pairs of two reviewers. Inclusion criteria were qualitative data collection method, and patients' perspectives regarding healthcare focusing on work when experiencing work-related problems due to chronic medical conditions. Data extraction and synthesis was executed by means of an inductive thematic analysis approach. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the CASP Qualitative Study checklist. Confidence in the review findings was assessed through the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (CERQual) approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 23,677 records, 97 qualitative studies were included. Needs regarding four main themes were identified: (1) Substantive guidance, which comprises the specific content of work-focused healthcare; (2) Clear and continuous process, which comprises clarification and optimization of the work-focused healthcare process; (3) Supportive attitude and behavior, which comprises a positive and supportive attitude and behavior from professionals towards the patients; and (4) Tailored approach, which comprises the delivery of tailored care to the individuals' needs. 17 subthemes were identified.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The broader insight in patients' needs in work-focused healthcare can help (occupational) healthcare professionals adopt a more patient-centred approach in practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"450-468"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12361345/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141761701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kirrilly Thompson, Md Abdul Ahad, Gianluca Di Censo, Sonia Hines, Nicholas Rich, Alice McEntee, Jacqueline Bowden
{"title":"Correction: Present but Overlooked: A Scoping Review of Instruments and Approaches for Measuring Presenteeism Related to Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use.","authors":"Kirrilly Thompson, Md Abdul Ahad, Gianluca Di Censo, Sonia Hines, Nicholas Rich, Alice McEntee, Jacqueline Bowden","doi":"10.1007/s10926-025-10324-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-025-10324-0","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144974338","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Monique A M Gignac, Julie Bowring, Ron Saunders, Lahmea Navaratnerajah, Peter M Smith, Arif Jetha, Aaron Thompson, Renee-Louise Franche, William S Shaw, Marta Pienkowski
{"title":"Why are Disclosure Decisions so Difficult? Understanding Factors that Encourage and Discourage Workers with a Chronic Disabling Condition from Disclosing Health Information at Work.","authors":"Monique A M Gignac, Julie Bowring, Ron Saunders, Lahmea Navaratnerajah, Peter M Smith, Arif Jetha, Aaron Thompson, Renee-Louise Franche, William S Shaw, Marta Pienkowski","doi":"10.1007/s10926-025-10326-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-025-10326-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The decision whether to disclose a disability at work is complex. Drawing on communication theories, we examined disclosure decision-making and how workers with disabling health conditions prioritized information that could simultaneously encourage and discourage disclosure.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An online, cross-sectional survey asked workers with physical and mental health/cognitive conditions creating job limitations (i.e., disability) at work about the health impacts on their employment, their disclosure goals, preferences, support availability, workplace culture, work context, and demographic information. Descriptive, multivariate, and latent profile analyses were used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants were 591 workers (51% men, 48% women, 1% non-binary) with physical (41%), mental health/cognitive (24%), or both groups of conditions (35%). Forty-two percent of participants had not disclosed health information or needs to their supervisor. Six profiles of decision patterns were identified: (1) little health impact, supports available; (2) some health impacts, positive support appraisals; (3) some health impacts, uncertain what to do; (4) some health impacts, considerable personal concerns; (5) little health impact, few concerns, few supports available; and (6) considerable health impacts but perceives many risks to sharing. Disclosure decisions often prioritized personal goals, preferences, and workplace culture over health impacts and support availability. Profiles were differentiated by health condition type and work context.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Understanding how workers prioritize information when considering disclosing a disability at work has implications for organizational support practices and clinical efforts to support workers. It underscores that worker decisions go beyond health impacts and highlights the need for support resources to help workers address decision uncertainty and stress.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144974281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sandra Vanotti, Michael Jaworski, Oscar Daniel Ayala, María Sol Román, Federico Martín González, Carolina Abulafia, Juan Iglesias Passada, Lara Bardoneschi, María Laura Saladino, Fernando Cáceres, Miguel Ángel Macías Islas, Ralph H B Benedict
{"title":"Toward the Search for Clinical and Cognitive Variables that Affect Employment in LATAM: a Multicenter Study.","authors":"Sandra Vanotti, Michael Jaworski, Oscar Daniel Ayala, María Sol Román, Federico Martín González, Carolina Abulafia, Juan Iglesias Passada, Lara Bardoneschi, María Laura Saladino, Fernando Cáceres, Miguel Ángel Macías Islas, Ralph H B Benedict","doi":"10.1007/s10926-025-10318-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10926-025-10318-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In response to rising unemployment rates among people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and poor working conditions in Latin America (LATAM), MS experts established the Quality-of-Life working group. This study aims to: (i) describe occupational outcomes and employment status among PwMS in LATAM; (ii) investigate the relationship between different levels of disability and ES; and (iii) Quantify accommodation use and explore potential clinical, cognitive, and sociodemographic predictors of job accommodations in LATAM.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 86 PwMS were recruited from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Paraguay, of whom 79 (91%) had a relapsing-remitting phenotype and 61 (70.9%) were women. The assessment protocol included the Brief Visual Memory Scale (BVMS), the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS), the MS Neuropsychology Screening Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and a socioeconomic status (SES) survey.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>(i) Based on employment status characteristics, 47 PwMS (54.6%) were classified into the work-stable group, 18 PwMS (20.9%) into the work-challenged group, and 21 PwMS (24.4%) into the work-loss group, additionally clinical and sociodemographic characteristics are described. (ii) Hierarchical cluster analysis ranked PwMS into three groups based on cognitive and physical disability levels, showing that a lower level of disability was linked to a higher likelihood of maintaining stable employment. (iii) Job accommodations were predicted by greater self-awareness of cognitive impairment, higher socioeconomic status, higher education, and higher physical disability, all contributing to increased use of workplace accommodations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Physical and neuropsychological disability increase the likelihood of being classified in the work-loss group, while factors such as self-awareness of cognitive impairment, socioeconomic status, level of disability, and education are associated with greater utilization of job accommodations. The work-loss rate among PwMS in LATAM was nearly three times higher than the general unemployment rate, underscoring the significant impact of MS on employment.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144875925","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Heerak Choi, Jasin Wong, Angelika Kudla, Deborah S Crown, Bishan Yang, Emily J Dinelli, Pamela Capraro, Robert Trierweiler, Allen W Heinemann
{"title":"Employer Retention Profiles of Workers with Physical Disabilities.","authors":"Heerak Choi, Jasin Wong, Angelika Kudla, Deborah S Crown, Bishan Yang, Emily J Dinelli, Pamela Capraro, Robert Trierweiler, Allen W Heinemann","doi":"10.1007/s10926-025-10321-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-025-10321-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to define parsimonious, non-overlapping subgroups of employers based on perceived facilitators and challenges in retaining workers with physical disabilities. Additionally, we sought to compare company characteristics, disability-related supports and practices, and job accommodation provision across employer subgroups.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional observational study using an online survey among 2,000 employers in the United States. Data analysis included 1,641 employers who hired at least one worker with a physical disability. Data analysis methods included latent profile analysis, independent t test, and chi-square or Fisher's exact test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We identified two subgroups of employers, characterized by high facilitator (n = 360) and high challenge groups (n = 1,281). The high facilitator group consists of employers who perceive greater facilitators than challenges in retaining workers with disabilities, while the high challenge group consists of employers who perceive greater challenges than facilitators. A greater proportion of respondents in the high facilitator group were from service-providing companies, had fewer than 500 employees, and were CEOs or owners, compared to those in the high challenge group. Additionally, the high facilitator group reported higher rates of hiring workers with disabilities over the past 12 months, greater implementation of disability-related supports and practices, and greater provision of job accommodations than the high challenge group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Employers can enhance the retention of workers with physical disabilities by promoting facilitators and addressing challenges, strengthening disability-related supports and practices, and providing job accommodations. Future research should validate these findings and develop targeted interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144862540","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Päivi Rissanen, Sami Pirkola, Turkka Näppilä, Tino Karolaakso, Helena Leppänen, Sari Fröjd, Reija Autio
{"title":"Return to Work or Not: The Paths to Psychiatric Disability and Back.","authors":"Päivi Rissanen, Sami Pirkola, Turkka Näppilä, Tino Karolaakso, Helena Leppänen, Sari Fröjd, Reija Autio","doi":"10.1007/s10926-025-10312-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-025-10312-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Mental health-related work disability has increased in Europe, despite efforts to promote individuals´ work ability. We examined individuals´ occupational status before and after a psychiatric disability pension (DP).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study comprises individuals granted a DP for the first time between 2010 and 2012 in Finland (N = 18,373). We used modern methods to cluster the sequences of individuals´ occupational status before and after temporary (n = 8615) or permanent (n = 9758) psychiatric DP. We compared socioeconomic, illness and health care system-related factors between nine groups, formed by sequence analysis utilizing multinominal regression analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis identified typical groups of temporary pensioners: after steady working careers, periods of unemployment and from mixed states. Severity of health and mental health problems, socioeconomic and occupational status, pension system-related factors as well as treatment or rehabilitation varied between the groups. Individuals with temporary DPs (tDP) appeared mainly to either remain disabled (74% of the study tDP) or return to the same status they had before disability: to work (17%) or unemployment (8%). A steady working career, high education and received psychotherapy and rehabilitation all promoted returning to work. Among young adults, severity of the illness and lack of occupational education were risk factors for long-term disability.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Among those with tDP, circles of disadvantage may exist. They relate to unemployment, poor mental and somatic heath, low education, poverty, and failure of rehabilitative efforts. Especially young adults with severe mental disorders require not only rehabilitation but also educational support.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144817934","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anaïs Lépine Lopez, Geneviève Sauvé, Marc Corbière
{"title":"Assessing Functional Limitations in Workers with a Common Mental Disorder or a Musculoskeletal Disorder: A Scoping Review of Questionnaires.","authors":"Anaïs Lépine Lopez, Geneviève Sauvé, Marc Corbière","doi":"10.1007/s10926-025-10310-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-025-10310-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Approximately, 80% of sick leave involve workers dealing with a common mental disorder (CMD) or a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). Upon returning to work (RTW), these workers may encounter challenges, including functional limitations at work. However, assessing these limitations is complex. This study aims to map existing questionnaires that evaluate functional limitations in individuals with CMD or MSD.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A scoping review was conducted following the methods of the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) Scoping Reviews Methodology Group, utilizing five databases: ProQuest, EBSCO, Scopus, Cochrane, and PsycNET. Articles were included if they presented a questionnaire evaluating functional limitations or related concepts in individuals with CMD or MSD.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 541 articles were identified, with 6 articles selected after the screening process. The most frequently assessed dimensions in the selected questionnaires were physical (in 5 tools) and cognitive (in 3 tools). A thematic analysis was performed to develop a unified classification of dimensions and identify various types of functional limitations, addressing the inconsistent terminology across the questionnaires.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Physical limitations seem to be more objective and easier to assess than psychological limitations. Future research should focus on psychological limitations to enhance understanding among healthcare professionals and individuals with CMD or MSD.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144790417","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kirrilly Thompson, Md Abdul Ahad, Gianluca Di Censo, Sonia Hines, Nicholas Rich, Alice McEntee, Jacqueline Bowden
{"title":"Present but Overlooked: A Scoping Review of Instruments and Approaches for Measuring Presenteeism Related to Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use.","authors":"Kirrilly Thompson, Md Abdul Ahad, Gianluca Di Censo, Sonia Hines, Nicholas Rich, Alice McEntee, Jacqueline Bowden","doi":"10.1007/s10926-025-10317-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10926-025-10317-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) can impact workplace productivity. Whilst presenteeism has a greater impact on productivity than absenteeism, it is less visible and often receives less attention. Measuring ATOD-related presenteeism is important for identifying the impact of AOD use and evaluating workplace AOD interventions. However, there is no standard approach to determining ATOD-related presenteeism. The aim of this scoping review was therefore to identify and describe different approaches and instruments used to determine ATOD-related presenteeism.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A scoping review of publications up to and including December 2024 was undertaken across three major databases: Scopus, Ovid Medline, and the Latin-American and Caribbean System on Health Sciences (LILACS). The population was workers for whom ATOD-related presenteeism was reported, the concept was presenteeism, and the context was the workplace.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The review included 27 original studies. The most common approach (n = 22 studies) was indirect, which involved examining differences in presenteeism between workers who did and did not use ATOD. Direct approaches-asking participants explicitly about their ATOD-related presenteeism-were less common (n = 5 studies) and focussed exclusively on alcohol. Across both approaches, there was substantial variation in instruments (n = 4 direct, n = 10 presenteeism, n = 18 ATOD), use of validated instruments, recall periods, and ways of reporting findings, which may compromise the interpretation and synthesis of studies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This scoping review provides an evidence base for informing approach and instrument selection. It establishes the need for further research on the impact of different approaches and instruments on findings. This information is essential to encourage more rigorous and standardised approaches to determining ATOD-related presenteeism and evaluating workplace interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144761801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anniina Anttila, Mikko Nuutinen, Riikka-Leena Leskelä, Mark van Gils, Anu Pekki, Riitta Sauni
{"title":"Cluster Analysis Reveals Subgroups with Different Risk Profiles and Sickness Absence Patterns in an Occupational Health Cohort.","authors":"Anniina Anttila, Mikko Nuutinen, Riikka-Leena Leskelä, Mark van Gils, Anu Pekki, Riitta Sauni","doi":"10.1007/s10926-025-10319-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-025-10319-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Using unsupervised and supervised machine learning methods, we aimed to identify clinically relevant groups of employees with similar characteristics and analyze the association of long and short sickness absence periods with these groups.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The participants were 12,099 employees of various occupations in Finnish companies. The data comprised 104 variables from medical records including data on sickness absences and a questionnaire used between 2011 and 2019 in health examinations. The latent dimensions for the employees were defined by principal component analysis to reduce the number of variables. Clusters were calculated using the K-means algorithm from datapoints expressed by the resulting five principal components. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the associations of the clusters with long (> 30 days) and repetitive short (1-10 days) sickness absence (SA) episodes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Employees in cluster one indicated positive managerial performance and workplace atmosphere, and employees had the least of both short and long SA. Cluster two indicated deficiencies related to managerial performance and workplace atmosphere. Cluster three had deficiencies mainly related to mood and depression and cluster four had cardiovascular diseases. Employees in cluster five reported many symptoms, especially dizziness and sensory symptoms, and had the highest occurrence of repetitive short SA. Cluster six indicated deficiencies related to work ability and had the highest occurrence of a long SA episode during follow-up.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Unsupervised and supervised machine learning methods identified six clinically coherent employee clusters, providing information on typical combinations of characteristics and risk profiles of sickness absence.</p>","PeriodicalId":48035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144745533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}