Pre-existing anxiety and depression disorders and return to work after musculoskeletal strain or sprain: a phased-based approach

Publication type
Journal article
Authors
Jones AM, Koehoorn M, Bultmann U, McLeod CB
Date published
2022 Jun 01
Journal
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation
Pages
epub ahead of print
Open Access?
No
Abstract

Purpose: To examine the impact of pre-existing anxiety and depression disorders on return to work (RTW) using a phase-based approach. Methods: Accepted lost-time workers' compensation claims for upper limb or spine strain or sprain from 2009 to 2013 were extracted for workers in the Canadian province of British Columbia (n = 78,186). Pre-existing anxiety and depression disorders were identified using health claims data. Probability of RTW following a first or second work lost-time episode was analyzed using Prentice, Williams and Peterson models for recurrent events (common hazards ratios (cHR)). Probability of a first lost-time recurrence was analyzed using Cox models (HR). All models included two years of follow up and were stratified by gender. Results: For men, anxiety alone (cHR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.85 to 0.94) or comorbid with depression (cHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92 to 0.99) was significantly associated with a lower probability of RTW, and comorbid anxiety and depression with a higher probability of recurrence (HR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.48). In women, comorbid anxiety and depression was significantly associated with a lower probability of RTW (cHR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93 to 0.99) and a higher probability of recurrence (HR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.28); and anxiety alone with a higher probability of recurrence (HR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.43). There was little evidence that depression alone was associated with RTW or recurrence. Conclusions: Workers with a pre-existing anxiety disorder may require additional supports both during lost-time and after initial RTW.