The work ability index and single-item question: associations with sick leave, symptoms, and health--a prospective study of women on long-term sick leave

Scand J Work Environ Health. 2010 Sep;36(5):404-12. doi: 10.5271/sjweh.2917. Epub 2010 Apr 7.

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated the association between the work ability index (WAI) and the single-item question on work ability among women working in human service organizations (HSO) currently on long-term sick leave. It also examined the association between the WAI and the single-item question in relation to sick leave, symptoms, and health. Predictive values of the WAI, the changed WAI, the single-item question and the changed single-item question were investigated for degree of sick leave, symptoms, and health.

Methods: This cohort study comprised 324 HSO female workers on long-term (>60 days) sick leave, with follow-ups at 6 and 12 months. Participants responded to questionnaires. Data on work ability, sick leave, health, and symptoms were analyzed with regard to associations and predictability. Spearman correlation and mixed-model analysis were performed for repeated measurements over time.

Results: The study showed a very strong association between the WAI and the single-item question among all participants. Both the WAI and the single-item question showed similar patterns of associations with sick leave, health, and symptoms. The predictive value for the degree of sick leave and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was strong for both the WAI and the single-item question, and slightly less strong for vitality, neck pain, both self-rated general and mental health, and behavioral and current stress.

Conclusion: This study suggests that the single-item question on work ability could be used as a simple indicator for assessing the status and progress of work ability among women on long-term sick leave.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Disability Evaluation*
  • Employment / psychology
  • Employment / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Health Status Indicators
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Occupational Diseases / psychology
  • Occupational Diseases / rehabilitation
  • Occupational Health / statistics & numerical data*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Life / psychology
  • Sick Leave / statistics & numerical data*
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Sweden
  • Time Factors
  • Workplace / psychology
  • Workplace / statistics & numerical data