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The impact of common mental disorders on work ability in mentally and physically demanding construction work

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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To gain insight into (1) the prevalence and incidence of common mental disorders (CMD) and low work ability among bricklayers and construction supervisors; (2) the impact of CMD on current work ability and work ability 1 year later and (3) the added value of job-specific questions about work ability for detecting signs of low work ability.

Methods

We randomly selected 750 bricklayers and 750 supervisors. This sample was surveyed by means of a baseline questionnaire and a follow-up questionnaire 1 year later. Work ability was measured with the first three questions of the Work Ability Index and job-specific questions. Self-reported CMD were measured with instruments designed to detect a high need for recovery after work, distress and depression. We used univariate logistic regression to analyse the presence or absence of CMD as independent variable.

Results

The prevalence and incidence of CMD among 199 bricklayers and 224 supervisors was 22 %/10 % and 32 %/15 %, respectively. The prevalence of low general work ability was comparable for both occupations (5 %). CMD were associated with low current work ability and low work ability at follow-up (ORs 4.3–22.4), but not with a reduction in work ability 1 year later. Questions on job-specific work ability resulted in more indications of low work ability among both occupations than did questions on general work ability.

Conclusions

Regardless of occupation, workers who report CMD at baseline have a high likelihood of current low work ability and low work ability 1 year later.

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Acknowledgments

This study is partly granted by Arbouw, Dutch Health and Safety Institute in the Construction Industry.

Conflict of interest

None declared.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 22660, 1100 DE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    J. S. Boschman, H. F. van der Molen, M. H. W. Frings-Dresen & J. K. Sluiter

  2. Arbouw, Dutch Health and Safety Institute in the Construction Industry, Harderwijk, The Netherlands

    H. F. van der Molen

Authors
  1. J. S. Boschman
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  2. H. F. van der Molen
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  3. M. H. W. Frings-Dresen
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  4. J. K. Sluiter
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to J. S. Boschman.

Additional information

M. H. W. Frings-Dresen and J. K. Sluiter were the co-principal investigators on this project.

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Boschman, J.S., van der Molen, H.F., Frings-Dresen, M.H.W. et al. The impact of common mental disorders on work ability in mentally and physically demanding construction work. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 87, 51–59 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-012-0837-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-012-0837-6

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