Effectiveness of Self-Help Interventions to Reduce Work Disability: A Rapid Mixed Methods Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Rehabilitation medicine
• Psychological interventions

Background:

• Work disability is a significant issue for individuals with musculoskeletal, anxiety, and/or depressive conditions.
• Self-help interventions offer a potential avenue for managing these conditions and improving work-related outcomes.
• A comprehensive understanding of their effectiveness and user experiences is crucial for implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of self-help interventions in reducing work disability and enhancing health and work outcomes.
• To explore the lived experiences of individuals using self-help interventions.
• To synthesize quantitative and qualitative data for future research and practical application.

Main Methods:

• A rapid mixed methods systematic review was conducted, adhering to WHO and Cochrane guidelines.
• Included studies comprised randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, qualitative, and mixed methods research published since 2007.
• Studies focused on self-help interventions for musculoskeletal, anxiety, or depressive conditions in working adults, assessing outcomes like functioning, return-to-work, and user experiences.

Main Results:

• Eight studies met the criteria, with seven rated as high risk of bias.
• Exercise-based interventions showed short-term improvements in disability and quality of life, but inconsistent effects on work participation.
• Cognitive-behavioral and psychoeducational programs yielded minor gains in self-efficacy and presenteeism; other interventions had no significant impact.

Conclusions:

• Self-help interventions may offer short-term improvements in self-management and coping but have limited evidence for reducing work disability.
• Effectiveness is contingent upon adherence, contextual support, and workplace integration.
• High-quality, co-designed, context-sensitive research is necessary to determine real-world effectiveness and sustainability.