Frequent headache and work ability: a population-based study in Sweden.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the association between frequent headache and self-reported mental and physical work ability in a general population sample in Sweden. The study was conducted in western Sweden in 2008. Frequent headache was analyzed in relation to mental and physical work ability. Covariates included demographics and socioeconomic variables, work-related variables, and a symptom index. Self-reported and register-based sickness absence data were also analyzed. Sixteen per cent of those who answered the question about headache (n = 2590) had frequent headache (at least once a week). Regression analyses showed that frequent headache sufferers were twice more likely to have poor mental and physical work ability than those having infrequent headache. Frequent headache was associated with poor mental and physical work ability but not with sickness absence.