Predictors of return to work and psychological well‐being among women during/after long‐term sick leave due to common mental disorders ‐ a prospective cohort study based on the theory of planned behaviour

Bibliographic Data

ID12288142
AuthorsÅsa Hedlund (0000-0003-4676-9010, Department of Caring Sciences University of Gävle Gävle Sweden, corresponding author), Annika Nilsson (0000-0003-1969-0163, Department of Caring Sciences University of Gävle Gävle Sweden), Eva Boman (0000-0003-0915-6426, Department of Occupational Health and Psychology University of Gävle Gävle Sweden), Marja‐Leena Kristofferzon (0000-0002-1864-5777, Department of Caring Sciences University of Gävle Gävle Sweden)
Year2022
Volume30
Issue6
Pagese5245-e5258
Publication date2022-07-27
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth & Social Care in the Community (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0966-0410 • E-ISSN: 1365-2524
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/hsc.13943
PMID35894151
OpenAlexW4288066725
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited42

Common mental disorders are associated with long-term sick leave, especially among women. There is a lack of theory-based research regarding the impact of personal factors on return to work and psychological well-being. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine whether return-to-work beliefs and perceived health were predictors of return to work and psychological well-being among women during or after long-term sick leave for common mental disorders, based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour. This was a prospective cohort study with a 1-year follow-up. At baseline, women (n = 282) had been on full- or part-time sick leave for common mental disorders for 2-24 months. Data were collected in October 2019-January 2020 and October 2020-January 2021 in Sweden. The Social Insurance Agency identified the women at baseline. The Return-To-Work Beliefs Questionnaire, EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale and General Health Questionnaire-12 were used. Multiple logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted. The women were divided into two groups: full-time sick leave or part-time sick leave at baseline. The results showed that stronger return-to-work intention significantly predicted return to work among women on full-time sick leave at baseline. No significant predictors of return to work were found among women on part-time sick leave at baseline. Psychological well-being was predicted by stronger social pressure to return to work (full-time group) and a more positive attitude toward returning to work and better perceived health (part-time group). We concluded that the Theory of Planned Behaviour can be useful for understanding return to work among women on full-time sick leave, and what underlies psychological well-being in both groups. However, return to work and psychological well-being were predicted by different factors, indicating that a multifactorial approach should be used in supporting women to return to work after long-term sick leave for common mental disorders

Cohort · Cohort study · Longitudinal study · Mental health · Physical therapy · Prospective cohort study · Psychiatry · Sick leave · Clinical Psychology · Employment and Welfare Studies · Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior · Medicine · Psychology · Workplace Health and Well-being

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