Work disability and health-affecting psychosocial problems among patients in general practice

Psychosocial problems are often ignored among patients in general practice. By identifying high risk groups this situation could possibly be altered. This study aimed to explore if patients in general practice perceiving themselves as work-disabled by at least 50% more often have health-affecting psychosocial problems than those not work-disabled. In a geographically defined population, 1,058 consecutive adult patients consulting 89 general practitioners were approached during one regular working day in March 1995. They completed a questionnaire at home, returning it directly to the department of general practice. Male patients considered themselves work-disabled more often than female patients. All psychosocial problems except having a demanding caregiving task were more common among the work-disabled. The doctors should bear in mind that work-disabled patients more often than other patients have concomitant health-affecting psychosocial problems. Granting long-term sick leave or a disability pension may not be the only management needed.