title: Multilevel analysis of individual and contextual factors as predictors of return to work.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to examine if individual and contextual levels of work environment factors predict return to work (RTW).
  
  
  METHODS
  Baseline data from 52 workplaces was linked to a national absence register. Four hundred twenty-eight persons with more than 2 weeks of sickness absence during a 2-year period were identified. Follow up was 1 year to examine three RTW outcomes. Multilevel logistic and Poisson regression models were used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the individual level, significant associations were found between one psychosocial and four physical factors and RTW within 4 weeks. Two physical factors predicted RTW within 1 year. Two psychosocial and two physical factors significantly prolonged duration of sickness absence. No significant contextual level risk factors were found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  At the individual level, both the psychosocial and physical work environment factors are important independent predictors of RTW.
authors.affiliation: Research Unit on Absence and Early Retirement, National Institute of Occupational Health, Lerso Parkall 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. mla@ami.dk
authors.forename: Merete
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Labriola
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lund
authors.forename: Karl B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Christensen
authors.forename: Tage S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Kristensen
mesh_terms: D000041:Absenteeism; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003718:Denmark; D004651:Employment; D005544:Forecasting; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D016272:Occupational Health; D011584:Psychology; D012647:Self-Assessment; D018582:Sick Leave; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology*