No abstract

Background: Sense of coherence (SOC) and perceived health (PH) have been seen as predictors of the outcome of vocational rehabilitation (VR) and as influencing the probability of disability pension (DP). We aimed to relate SOC and PH to outcome of VR with a focus on gender differences. Methods: A total of 372 patients (174 men and 198 women) with long-standing musculoskeletal disorders underwent VR. Data were obtained through questionnaires to patients and from subjects' records and computer files at the National Social Insurance Office. Results: Three years after the VR process had ended, men who received DP had significantly lower SOC scores than those who did not receive DP (125 vs. 146; p < 0.05). For women there was no difference. Both men and women who received DP significantly more often had a PH score above the mean (p 0.05), indicating bad health. Conclusions: Women who received DP had a higher SOC than men who received DP. The gender difference might be related to a societal recognition of musculoskeletal disorder among women, leading to a more generous acceptance of DP. The income disparity between men and women with lower income for women is probably also of importance. SOC might be a factor of value in predicting the rehabilitation process.

The PM was found to be an important and independent factor to impact the outcome of rehabilitation in women.

The presence of GD of the locomotor system could be a reminder of the advisability to explore the patient's psychosocial condition in order to improve medical as well as vocational rehabilitation.