Multilevel analysis of individual and contextual factors as predictors of return to work

The objective of this study was to examine if individual and contextual levels of work environment factors predict return to work (RTW).

Baseline data from 52 workplaces was linked to a national absence register. Four hundred twenty-eight persons with more than 2 weeks of sickness absence during a 2-year period were identified. Follow up was 1 year to examine three RTW outcomes. Multilevel logistic and Poisson regression models were used.

At the individual level, significant associations were found between one psychosocial and four physical factors and RTW within 4 weeks. Two physical factors predicted RTW within 1 year. Two psychosocial and two physical factors significantly prolonged duration of sickness absence. No significant contextual level risk factors were found.

At the individual level, both the psychosocial and physical work environment factors are important independent predictors of RTW.