Factors associated with reduced work functioning in people with moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms
Summary
Background. Medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) are a leading cause of reduced work functioning. It is not known which factors are associated with reduced work functioning in people with moderate MUPS. Insight in these factors can help to better understand the moderate MUPS population and can contribute to future research on developing tailored prevention strategies for MUPS in becoming chronic and on prevention of impaired work performance, work absenteeism and associated work-related costs.
Aim. To identify which factors are associated with the degree of reduced work functioning, operationalized as impaired work performance and work absenteeism, in people with moderate MUPS.
Methods. Baseline data of an ongoing study on people with moderate MUPS were used in this cross-sectional diagnostic multivariable modelling study. Ten independent variables were measured to determine their association with reduced work functioning: severity of psychosocial symptoms (four domains), physical health, physical activity, age, sex, education level and duration of complaints. Two separate univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed with backward stepwise selection, for both impaired work performance and work absenteeism.
Results. Severity of psychosocial symptoms domains ‘depression’ (p < .01) and ‘somatization’ (p < .05) were positively associated with work absenteeism, while domain ‘Anxiety’ (p = .128) and ‘moderate/vigorous physical activity’ (p < .01) were negatively associated with work absenteeism (n = 104). The multivariable model explained 17.3% of the total variance (R2 = .173, p < .001). Severity of symptoms domains ‘distress’ (p = .152) and ‘somatization’ (p < .001) were positively associated with impaired work performance (n = 102). The model explained 23.6% of the total variance (R2 = .236, p < .001).
Conclusion. People with moderate MUPS and a higher degree of reduced work functioning are more often less physically active and often have an increased probability of a depressive and a somatic symptom disorder.
Clinical Relevance. Employees should recognize early whether or not they are less physically active and have an increased probability of a depressive or somatic symptom disorder. They should feel free to discuss these factors with their employer or health professional, so that preventive measures can be taken.