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Gender differences in psychosocial influence and rehabilitation outcomes for work-disabled individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain

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Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate gender differences in rehabilitation outcomes and how psychosocial factors may interact to influence rehabilitation outcome in work-disabled with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Methods: One hundred and sixty eight (n=168) persons (mean age = 45.5/SD=9.0) participating in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program, were included. Data on pain, functional health and psychosocial factors were collected previous to treatment, after 5 week intensive training and after 52 week follow-up period. Demographics, socio-economics and data on personal characteristics were also collected. Results: Significant (p<.05) gender differences were found on sleeplessness, meaningfulness and manageability. No significant gender differences were found on pain or functional health status variables. Gender differences (p<.001) were found in how socio-demographic and psychosocial factors influence rehabilitation outcomes in terms of functional health status. Conclusions: These data suggests that knowledge of gender differences and the way psychosocial factors influence rehabilitation outcomes must be taken into account in designing rehabilitation intervention.

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Acknowledgements

The author acknowledge the participant in present study, Friskgården, located in Nord-Trøndelag County has since 1995 developed a multidisciplinary rehabilitation model for individuals on sick leave with complex disease conditions, and The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (The HUNT Study) which is a collaboration between HUNT Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU, Verdal), Norwegian Institute of Public Health, and Nord-Trøndelag County Council.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Social Work and Health Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway

    Monica Lillefjell

  2. Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty Health Education and Social Work, University College of Sør-Trøndelag, Trondheim, Norway

    Monica Lillefjell

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  1. Monica Lillefjell
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Correspondence to Monica Lillefjell.

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Lillefjell, M. Gender differences in psychosocial influence and rehabilitation outcomes for work-disabled individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain. J Occup Rehabil 16, 659–674 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-006-9056-x

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