Differences in predictors of return to work among long-term sick-listed employees with different self-reported reasons for sick leave

Introduction The present study aimed to gain insight in the predictors of full return to work (RTW) among employees on long-term sick leave due to three different self-reported reasons for sick leave: physical, mental or comorbid physical and mental problems. This knowledge can be used to develop diagnosis-specific interventions that promote earlier RTW. Methods This prospective cohort study with a two-year follow-up employs a sample of 682 Dutch employees, sick-listed for 19 weeks (SD = 1.68), who filled out two questionnaires: at 19 weeks and 2 years after the start of sick leave. The dependent measure was duration until full RTW, the independent measures were cause of sick leave, health characteristics, individual characteristics and work characteristics. Results Reporting both physical and mental problems as reasons for sick leave was associated with a longer duration until full RTW. Nonparametric Cox survival analysis showed that partial RTW at baseline and lower age were strong predictors of earlier RTW in all three groups, and that RTW self-efficacy predicted earlier RTW in two groups. Other predictors of full RTW varied among groups. Conclusions Tailoring for different reasons for sick leave might improve the effects of new interventions because the predictors of full RTW differ among groups. Enhancement of partial RTW and RTW selfefficacy may be relevant components of any intervention, as these were predictors of full RTW in at least two groups.