Return to Work After a Disabling Mental Disorder: Predictors From a Brazilian 1-Year Longitudinal Study.

Abstract

This study aims to analyze factors that influence return to work (RTW) among workers on sickness absence due to mental disorders. A longitudinal study conducted between 2014 and 2017 in São Paulo, Brazil. The 385 participants answered a questionnaire including sociodemographics, habits/lifestyle, job characteristics, and clinical information. Survival analysis was performed to identify factors influencing the RTW. Most of participants were females (74.5%), worked in jobs dealing with public (44.2%) and were depressed (52.4%). RTW occurred for 68.3% participants over 1-year follow-up. Mean duration of absence was 163.83 days. The risk profile for remaining absent was heavy smokers, be abstainer, obese, deal with the public, perceived great effort at work, and low self-efficacy. These findings can contribute in discussion about disability prevention and interventions to assure mental health care for workers.