Work adjustment in cardiovascular disease: job characteristics and social support

To better understand social influences on work recovery, we studied the association between work status, work adjustment (WA), job demands, and social support (employer, family, physician) for return to work in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients.

Multiple cross-sectional design with questionnaire data collected from patients (72% working; age = 57 ± 10.7 years) either at program entry (n = 126) or 6 to 12 months (n = 88) of CR exposure. Work adjustment was assessed by utilizing a visual analogue scale (WA VAS). Perceived social support from the employer, family, and physician was assessed using 5-point Likert scales. Physical demands (PD) and psychological job demands, and job control, were assessed utilizing the Job Content Questionnaire.

Working patients expressed higher levels of employer support (4.2 ± 1.2 vs 3.6 ± 1.4, P < .04) and lower PD (7.9 ± 3.4 vs 10.5 ± 4.0, P < .001) than those not working. Employer support was positively correlated with WA VAS (R = 0.34, P < .002). High PD were negatively correlated with WA VAS (R = -0.31, P < .002). Weaker relationships were observed between family support and physician support and the dependent measures.

Findings suggest that CR patients view their employer as a significant source of social support for return to work. Efforts to foster support from employers are an important consideration for the functional rehabilitation of these workers. The nature of the supportive relationship requires further investigation to determine the salient aspects that impact on work adjustment.