Longitudinal follow-up of occupational status in tinnitus patients.
In this study, the long-term outcome of tinnitus patients was studied in terms of changes in occupational status from admission to follow-up for an average duration of 5 years. A consecutive series of 189 tinnitus patients seen between the years 1988 and 1995 were sent a postal questionnaire booklet; 146 provided usable responses (a 77% response rate). Results showed a significant change in occupational status, which was explained partly by retirement because of old age. Few were unemployed at follow-up, and relatively few were on sick leave. These data suggest that tinnitus patients may be less of a demand for the sickness benefit system in Sweden, but it may reflect also that tinnitus is not accepted as a cause for sick absenteeism.
Andersson
G
G
Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Department of Audiology, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. gerhard.andersson@psyk.uu.se
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006264:Health Benefit Plans, Employee; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018582:Sick Leave / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000453:epidemiology*