The Influence of Multi-morbidity on the Work Ability of Ageing Employees and the Role of Coping Style.

This was an observational cohort study, so it cannot prove that health problems or coping styles caused changes in work ability. Work ability was measured with one self-rated question about current ability compared with lifetime best, not a full occupational performance assessment. Mental health problems were grouped as one broad category, so the study cannot distinguish types or number of mental health problems. Only 3.4% of the sample reported one or more mental health problems, and only 0.8% reported only mental health problems, so the mental health findings rest on small groups. Non-employed people were excluded, and the remaining workers may be healthier than people with similar health problems who left work. The study did not measure how severe the health problems were or which specific physical and mental conditions were present. Coping style was measured by self-report and only three broad styles were examined.

Do not conclude that promoting active coping or reducing avoidant coping will improve work ability. The study was observational and measured coping and health problems by self-report, so it cannot show that changing coping style caused changes in work ability.