Associations between chronic pain and the work ability

Abstract

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to investigate if chronic pain is a predictor for future work ability and sleeping problems among young adults. Introduction Chronic pain is a major health problem with a prevalence of 15-30%, are shown to be associated with sleeping problems and are a common reason for long-term sick leave and thereby affect the work ability. However, few studies have examined the prevalence and how chronic pain affects the work ability in a younger population. Methods Data from 1603 young adults in the ages 20-24 participating in the longitudinal population-based cohort study (Ung vuxen). The data at baseline and the ten-year follow up were used. Regression models were applied to determine the predictive value of chronic pain on the ten-year outcome of work ability respectively sleep problems. Results Over the ten year period the prevalence of chronic pain increased by 10% (22% to 32%). Sleeping problems were more common among the chronic pain group with the increased odds of 60% (OR 1.6, 95%CI 1.33:1.92). There was a modest, but statistically significant difference of 8% in work ability between the group that both suffered from chronic pain and often had sleeping problems compared to the group that did not have chronic pain and seldom experienced sleeping problems. Conclusions The 8% difference in work ability may be a beginning of a downward trend and it is important that the health care system address the chronic pain condition in time, in first hand to reduce the patients suffering and increase the quality of life, hence also prevent the work ability to further decline.