Challenges to return to work after leave due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are among the leading occupational diseases, often resulting in prolonged work absences and complicating the return-to-work process. These absences can result in social, economic, and psychological consequences, making reintegration into work more challenging. Factors such as age, education, motivation, and workplace environment also influence the return process.

To identify, through a systematic review, the main challenges influencing the return and retention in work for employees on leave due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

This review was conducted in accordance with the updated PRISMA. Qualitative and mixed-methods studies published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese between 2012 and 2022 were included in the following databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Virtual Health Library, and Scopus. The risk of bias was assessed using an adapted CASP tool to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies.

A total of 671 records were identified, and after screening and eligibility assessment, 11 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. The main challenges identified included: emotional aspects, functional capacity, sociodemographic factors (age, education, economic factors), health system access, worker protection policies, workplace organization, and work relationships.

The study highlights the complexity of returning to work and its impact on workers, emphasizing the need for improved public health policies and worker protection measures. Other: Registered with PROSPERO, ID: CRD42022325805.