Factors Related to the Recurrence of Sickness Absence Due to Common Mental Health Disorders: A Systematic Review.
Lydia In't Hout, Suzanne G M van Hees, Emma Vossen and 3 others
PMID 38985239WHAT IT FOUND
Employees with low socioeconomic status and those with previous short-term or mental-health-related sickness absences are at higher risk of recurrent absence.
Therapists should extend support and monitor these groups long after they return to work.
Key findings
01Low socioeconomic status is associated with an increased risk of recurrent sickness absence.
02The type of previous sickness absence, specifically short-term absences or those due to common mental disorders, increases the likelihood of recurrence.
03Working in transport, communication, utilities or public administration sectors is associated with a higher risk of recurrent absence.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The definition of recurrent sickness absence varied across the included studies, making direct comparisons difficult. The evidence was based mainly on studies from Western countries, so findings may not apply to other cultural contexts. The review combined results from studies with different aims and methodologies, which means conclusions about the strength of evidence should be made with caution. Many factors had insufficient or inconsistent evidence, limiting the certainty of the findings for those specific variables.
Declared interests
The study was funded by the Arbeidsdeskundig Kennis Centrum.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that all identified factors are equally strong predictors. The review found that only low socioeconomic status and the type of previous absence had strong evidence, while many other factors had inconsistent or insufficient support.
Summarised by AI from the full paper, without a clinician reviewing it. Check it against the source before it changes what you do. Read it on PubMed →