Risk indicators of disability pension. A 15 year follow-up study.
OBJECTIVE
To identify risk indicators for granting of disability pension (DP) during a period of 15 years.


METHODS
Follow-up study. The initial data were obtained from a health survey in a general population 1977/78. Variables were initially collected through questionnaires and objective measurements. Information about the end-point for the follow-up, granting of DP, was obtained from the Registry for Early Retirement Pension in 1992/93. Data analyses were performed by logistic regression and Cox analyses.


METHODS
The Glostrup Population Studies, Glostrup University Hospital and The Danish Committee for the Assessment of Substandard Lives.


METHODS
General population of 892 persons, born in 1918, 1928, 1938, and 1948, and living in the municipality of Glostrup, Denmark. Eighty-four were granted DP during the 15 years follow-up.


RESULTS
Ninety-six variables from the initial study were analysed, age and 18 variables were found to be risk indicators for DP. These were general health variables, including dyspnoea, colic, nervousness, previous hospitalizations and operations, self-reported poor general health the last year, and low general health risk-score by the doctor. Objective measurements included high Body Mass Index, low peak flow and isometric endurance of the back muscles. Among the occupational variables unemployment and sick leave were found to be risk indicators. In addition, low physical activity in leisure time, self-reported worse physical condition than those at the same age and smoking were also identified as risk indicators.


CONCLUSIONS
The main indicators for granting of DP can be covered by the heading poor physical condition and general health.
Biering-Sørensen
F
F
Glostrup University Hospital, Glostrup Population Studies, Copenhagen University Hospital.
Lund
J
J
Høydalsmo
O J
OJ
Darre
E M
EM
Deis
A
A
Kryger
P
P
Müller
C F
CF
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003718:Denmark; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010415:Pensions; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors