Nonparticipation in a Danish cohort study of long-term sickness absence.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to identify predictors of nonparticipation in a Danish cohort of individuals on long-term sickness absence with a nonparticipation rate of 53.6%.


METHODS
Data from Danish public registers were linked to all 2414 individuals initially recruited to the cohort. Information regarding social- and health-related characteristics was retrieved. Adjusted logistic regression was carried out to examine differences between participants and nonparticipants as well as to identify predictors of nonparticipation.


RESULTS
Nonparticipation was associated with being male, relatively young, having a vocational secondary education, and having a low income, whereas a recent somatic disease treated in hospital was a predictor for participation. Having had a psychiatric disorder in the past was generally a barrier for participation, while a recent psychiatric disorder was a positive factor for participation.


CONCLUSIONS
Individuals with low socioeconomic status and individuals with prior psychiatric disorders were less willing to participate in this cohort study of long-term sickness absence.
Psychiatric Research Unit West, Regional Psychiatric Services, Herning, Denmark.
Pernille
P
Pedersen
Ellen A
EA
Nohr
Hans Jørgen
HJ
Søgaard