Related Experiment Videos
Risk indicators of disability pension. A 15 year follow-up study
F Biering-Sørensen1, J Lund, O J Høydalsmo
1Glostrup University Hospital, Glostrup Population Studies, Copenhagen University Hospital.
Danish Medical Bulletin
|July 28, 1999
Summary
Poor general health and physical condition are key indicators for disability pension (DP) approval. This 15-year study identified numerous risk factors, including smoking and unemployment, impacting DP eligibility.
Area of Science:
- Public Health and Epidemiology
- Occupational Health
- Social Medicine
Background:
- Understanding factors influencing disability pension (DP) grants is crucial for public health policy and resource allocation.
- Previous research has explored various health and socioeconomic determinants of long-term work incapacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify significant risk indicators associated with the granting of disability pensions (DP) over a 15-year follow-up period.
- To analyze a comprehensive set of health, occupational, and lifestyle variables predicting DP eligibility.
Main Methods:
- A 15-year follow-up study utilizing data from the Glostrup Population Studies in Denmark.
- Initial data collected via questionnaires and objective measurements from a general population cohort (n=892) born in specific years.
- Logistic regression and Cox analyses were employed to identify risk indicators for DP, with data obtained from the Registry for Early Retirement Pension.
Main Results:
- Eighteen risk indicators for DP were identified, in addition to age.
- Key indicators included general health variables (dyspnoea, colic, nervousness, prior hospitalizations/operations, self-reported poor health, low doctor-assessed health score), objective measurements (high BMI, low peak flow, reduced back muscle endurance), occupational factors (unemployment, sick leave), and lifestyle (low leisure physical activity, smoking, self-reported poorer physical condition).
Conclusions:
- The primary indicators for disability pension (DP) granting are strongly linked to poor physical condition and general health.
- These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive health assessments and early interventions for individuals at risk of long-term disability.