Early-Claim Modifiable Factors Associated With Return-to-Work Self-Efficacy Among Workers Injured at Work: Are There...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Psychology of Work
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Return-to-work self-efficacy (RTW-SE) is crucial for successful reintegration after injury.
• Understanding modifiable factors influencing RTW-SE is essential for effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify early-injury factors associated with RTW-SE.
• To determine if these factors differ between psychological and upper-body musculoskeletal (UB-MSK) injuries.

Main Methods:

• Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used.
• A sample of 244 workers with UB-MSK injuries and 113 with psychological injuries was analyzed.
• Variables included communication with RTW stakeholders and job components.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in influencing factors were found between injury types.
• Higher job autonomy was significantly associated with higher RTW-SE.
• Low-stress contact from the RTW coordinator was also significantly associated with higher RTW-SE.

Conclusions:

• Job autonomy and supportive RTW coordinator communication are modifiable targets.
• Interventions focusing on these areas may enhance RTW-SE in injured workers.