Factors Influencing Return to Work Among Women With Acquired Brain Injury

Purpose: Research indicates that women with brain injury have a higher risk of not resuming their work roles. This study investigates the influence of sociodemographic, impairment-related and environmental factors on the return-to-work outcomes of women with acquired brain injury in Cape Metropolitan, South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 139 women aged 18-65 with acquired brain injury in Cape Metropolitan, South Africa. Participants were conveniently sampled, and the Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 26, focusing on sociodemographic, impairment-related and environmental factors influencing return to work outcomes. Results: Women with acquired brain injury who participated in this study yielded a postinjury return to work rate of 61.2%. Older women were less likely to return to work (odds ratio: 0.905). Environmental support, particularly from workplace supervisors or managers, significantly enhanced RTW (odds ratio: 5.660). Marital status, impairment-related restrictions, type of vocational intervention and family support were not significant predictors of return to work. Conclusion: These results highlight the necessity for multidimensional and integrative RTW programmes that address both personal and systemic barriers. Such programmes are essential to promoting sustained economic participation and improving the quality of life for women with ABI.