title: Frequency and predictors of premature work loss in primary care consulters for osteoarthritis: prospective cohort study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to describe the extent of premature work loss (PWL) in OA consulters across a 6-year observation period, and associated factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a population-based prospective cohort study set in primary care. Participants were 1098 adults age 50 years to statutory retirement age at baseline, who completed questionnaires at baseline, 3- and 6-year follow-ups. OA was defined by consultation to primary care (Read code N05) during the study period. PWL was defined as retirement prior to state retirement age (65 years for men, 60 years for women), off work due to health or unemployment. The frequency of PWL was calculated overall and stratified by consultation for OA. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the predictors of PWL in consulters for OA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over the 6-year study period, one in four consulters for OA left the workplace prematurely. Predictors included being male, pain interference with function and lower co-worker support, but not the extent of arthritis, co-morbidity, obesity or psychological or other job factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PWL in persons consulting primary care general practitioners with OA is common. Those at risk could be identified by brief questions about pain interference with function and workplace support. These results suggest that early identification, treatment strategies focusing on maintaining function and maximizing workplace support should be investigated for their potential to prevent PWL. Good communication with employers may help to improve support for workers with OA.
authors.affiliation: Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK. r.wilkie@keele.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Ross
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wilkie
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Phillipson
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hay
authors.forename: Glenn
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pransky
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000150:complications*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003253:Consultants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D058007:Physicians, Primary Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012179:Retirement / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D057566:Self Report; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: epidemiology; osteoarthritis; primary health care; prospective study; work disability