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Labor force activity among Australians with musculoskeletal disorders comorbid with depression and anxiety disorders

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Abstract

Aim: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are a leading cause of work-related disability. This investigation explored the impact of MSD comorbid with depression and anxiety disorders, on labor force activity. Methods: The Australian Bureau of Statistics provided confidentialized data files collected from a household sample of 37,580 people. MSD, affective, and anxiety disorders were identified and employment restrictions were assessed at four levels of severity. Results: Anxiety and depression of six months duration was present in 12.1% of people with MSD. Comorbidity magnified the negative impacts of single conditions on labor force activity. Most at risk were people with back problems and comorbid depression, people with arthritis or other MSD and comorbid anxiety, males with MSD and comorbid depression, and females with MSD and comorbid anxiety. Conclusions: The results suggest that the occupational rehabilitation needs of people with MSD comorbid with depression or anxiety may currently be underestimated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research and the School of Population Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

    Geoff Waghorn

  2. The Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research and the Department of Psychiatry, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

    David Chant

  3. Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

    Chris Lloyd

  4. The Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park, Centre for Mental Health Treatment, Research and Education,, Locked bag 500, Richlands, QLD, Australia, 4077

    Geoff Waghorn

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  1. Geoff Waghorn
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  2. David Chant
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  3. Chris Lloyd
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Correspondence to Geoff Waghorn.

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Waghorn, G., Chant, D. & Lloyd, C. Labor force activity among Australians with musculoskeletal disorders comorbid with depression and anxiety disorders. J Occup Rehabil 16, 235–246 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-006-9018-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-006-9018-3

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