Jonas Fisker1, Carsten Hjorthøj1, Lone Hellström2, Sara Skriver Mundy3, Nicole Gremaud Rosenberg3, Lene Falgaard Eplov1. 1. Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 15, 2900, Hellerup, Denmark. 2. Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 15, 2900, Hellerup, Denmark. lone.hellstroem@regionh.dk. 3. Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Mental Health Services Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To support the return to work following common mental disorders knowing which factors influence the return to work is important. We aimed to identify factors predicting return to work for people on sick leave with disorders like stress, anxiety, and depression. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analyses were conducted regarding return to work at any time point, < 3 months, 3-12 months, and > 12 months of sick leave, respectively, and diagnostic subgroups. RESULTS: The meta-analyses included 29 studies. Predictors decreasing return to work probability at any time point were higher age, being male, neuroticism and openness, previous sickness absence, and higher symptom scores. Predictors increasing return to work probability were positive return to work expectations, high return to work- and general self-efficacy, conscientiousness, and high workability index. Return to work within < 3 months of sick leave was associated with positive return to work expectations. Return to work after > 12 months was increased by higher education. Higher age was associated with decreased return to work probability after > 12 months. No significant predictors were found in diagnostic subgroups. CONCLUSION: Results are overall consistent with earlier reviews. Future studies should focus on specific time points, diagnostic subgroups, and work-related factors. PROSPERO REGISTRATION ID: CRD42018073396.
PURPOSE: To support the return to work following common mental disorders knowing which factors influence the return to work is important. We aimed to identify factors predicting return to work for people on sick leave with disorders like stress, anxiety, and depression. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analyses were conducted regarding return to work at any time point, < 3 months, 3-12 months, and > 12 months of sick leave, respectively, and diagnostic subgroups. RESULTS: The meta-analyses included 29 studies. Predictors decreasing return to work probability at any time point were higher age, being male, neuroticism and openness, previous sickness absence, and higher symptom scores. Predictors increasing return to work probability were positive return to work expectations, high return to work- and general self-efficacy, conscientiousness, and high workability index. Return to work within < 3 months of sick leave was associated with positive return to work expectations. Return to work after > 12 months was increased by higher education. Higher age was associated with decreased return to work probability after > 12 months. No significant predictors were found in diagnostic subgroups. CONCLUSION: Results are overall consistent with earlier reviews. Future studies should focus on specific time points, diagnostic subgroups, and work-related factors. PROSPERO REGISTRATION ID: CRD42018073396.