Abstract
Objective
The aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between self-reported work ability and long-term term of sickness absence or early retirement from the labour market.
Methods
Data on work ability were retrieved from a representative cohort study of Danish wage earners and linked with a register of social payment transfers. In all, 4.743 individuals were followed from 2001 to 2005. Cox regression was used for the analyses.
Results
A one point decrease in perceived work ability, on a 10 point scale, was associated with an increased risk of long-term sickness absence (LTSA) of 15.1% (95% CI 12–19%, P < 0.0001) and an increased risk of early retirement from the labour market of 33% (95% CI 20–48%, P < 0.0001).
Conclusions
Reports of reduced work ability were significantly associated with both an increased risk of onset of LTSA and early retirement from the labour market, after adjustment for socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle variables.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to thank Thomas Lund, Senior researcher, PhD in medical science, The Danish National Centre for Social Research, Herluf Trolles Gade 11, DK-1052 Copenhagen, for his pioneering work on the DWECS and DREAM-database. The study was supported by a grant from the Danish Working Environment Research Foundation and elaborated within the finale program for prevention of reduced work ability.
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An erratum to this article can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00420-009-0420-y
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Sell, L. Predicting long-term sickness absence and early retirement pension from self-reported work ability. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 82, 1133–1138 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-009-0417-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-009-0417-6