The impact of common mental disorders on work ability in mentally and physically demanding construction work

To gain insight into (1) the prevalence and incidence of common mental disorders (CMD) and low work ability among bricklayers and construction supervisors; (2) the impact of CMD on current work ability and work ability 1 year later and (3) the added value of job-specific questions about work ability for detecting signs of low work ability.

We randomly selected 750 bricklayers and 750 supervisors. This sample was surveyed by means of a baseline questionnaire and a follow-up questionnaire 1 year later. Work ability was measured with the first three questions of the Work Ability Index and job-specific questions. Self-reported CMD were measured with instruments designed to detect a high need for recovery after work, distress and depression. We used univariate logistic regression to analyse the presence or absence of CMD as independent variable.

The prevalence and incidence of CMD among 199 bricklayers and 224 supervisors was 22 %/10 % and 32 %/15 %, respectively. The prevalence of low general work ability was comparable for both occupations (5 %). CMD were associated with low current work ability and low work ability at follow-up (ORs 4.3-22.4), but not with a reduction in work ability 1 year later. Questions on job-specific work ability resulted in more indications of low work ability among both occupations than did questions on general work ability.

Regardless of occupation, workers who report CMD at baseline have a high likelihood of current low work ability and low work ability 1 year later.