title: A two-year follow-up on a program theory of return to work intervention.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Validation of a salutogenic theory for return to work (RTW) and an associated program process theory.
  
  
  METHODS
  A longitudinal non-randomized one-year trial study design was used with a two-year follow-up and with comparison to a reference group. Changes in attitudes and active behaviour in the intervention group and at the workplace were supported by cognitive and behavioural approaches.
  
  
  METHODS
  The intervention group included 118 unskilled Danish public employees and privately employed house-cleaners on sick leave due to musculoskeletal and/or common mental illnesses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant improvements of work ability index and perceived health (SF36 subgroups) were reported. A significantly higher RTW and a shorter sick leave than in the reference group also emerged. Positive predictors of RTW were keeping the pre-sick-leave job and improving work ability index and physical impairment/role physical. Decline in self-efficacy was a negative predictor.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Support for the theory and associated program process theory was found. The intervention seemed to influence RTW and the employees' attitudes, behaviour and health by affecting comprehensibility, meaningfulness and manageability. Sustainable RTW emerged from a synergism of support from the work place and improved personal resources, especially such as concern mental health. The approach is consistent with integrating health promotion in RTW.
authors: Arbejds- og Miljømedicinsk afdeling, Bispebjerg Hospital, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400 Copenhagen, NV, Denmark. agclaudi@dadlnet.dk
authors: Anne Grete Claudi
authors: AG
authors: Jensen
mesh_terms: D004651:Employment; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006293:Health Promotion; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D020377:Self Efficacy; D018582:Sick Leave; D013598:Systems Theory