Sense of coherence and vocational rehabilitation of persons with chronic musculoskeletal disorders–gender aspects

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 Handbook of Salutogenesis

“…Volanen et al (2010) found the sense of coherence to be associated with intentions to retire early among women and men reporting somatic or mental illness; this association was not influenced by socioeconomic, psychosocial, and work and health behavior. Kaiser et al (2006) found that 3 years after the vocational rehabilitation process had ended, men who received disability pension had significantly lower sense of coherence scores than those who did not receive disability pension, and women who received disability pension had stronger sense of coherence than men who received disability pension. The gender difference might be related to a societal belief in women's greater vulnerability to musculoskeletal disorder.…”

“…Sense of coherence is a predictor of the outcome of vocational rehabilitation (Kaiser, Mattsson, Marklund, & Wimo, 2006). Several studies underline that rehabilitation services should ensure that they have rehabilitation goals that strengthen individuals' sense of coherence (Engström & Janson, 2009;Kaiser, Mattsson, Marklund, & Wimo, 2001;Kaiser et al, 2006;Lillefjell, 2008;Newton, 1999).…”

“…Several studies underline that rehabilitation services should ensure that they have rehabilitation goals that strengthen individuals' sense of coherence (Engström & Janson, 2009;Kaiser, Mattsson, Marklund, & Wimo, 2001;Kaiser et al, 2006;Lillefjell, 2008;Newton, 1999). Engström and Janson (2009) found that a high level of sense of coherence counteracts short as well as long-term sickness absence.…”

The Application of Salutogenesis in Vocational Rehabilitation Settings

“…Sense of coherence is a predictor of the outcome of vocational rehabilitation (Kaiser, Mattsson, Marklund, & Wimo, 2006). Several studies underline that rehabilitation services should ensure that they have rehabilitation goals that strengthen individuals' sense of coherence (Engström & Janson, 2009;Griffiths, 2009;Kaiser, Mattsson, Marklund, & Wimo, 2001;Kaiser et al, 2006;Lillefjell, 2008;Newton, 1999).…”

“…Several studies underline that rehabilitation services should ensure that they have rehabilitation goals that strengthen individuals' sense of coherence (Engström & Janson, 2009;Griffiths, 2009;Kaiser, Mattsson, Marklund, & Wimo, 2001;Kaiser et al, 2006;Lillefjell, 2008;Newton, 1999). Engström and Janson (2009) found that a high level of sense of coherence counteracts short as well as long-term sickness absence.…”