A cross-sectional study of the demographic, cultural, clinical and
rehabilitation associated variables predicting return to employment after
disability onset in an Asian society
Affiliations: Occupational Therapy Department, Rehabilitation
Center, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore | Division of Research, Singapore General Hospital,
Singapore | Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Singapore
General Hospital, Singapore
Abstract: Objectives: This study examined the rate of return to work, and to
find demographic, clinical and functional factors associated with successful
re-employment after in-patient rehabilitation. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional cohort study of Singaporeans
aged 15 and above who underwent inpatient rehabilitation in a Singapore
hospital between 2000 and 2007. Phone interviews were conducted in 2007 to
2008, via a structured questionnaire to evaluate factors of return to work. Results: Four hundred and eight patients met with the inclusion
criteria, and 123 participants completed the questionnaire. Forty-five (44.7%)
participants successfully returned to work with a mean time of 7 months
post-discharge. Statistical significant differences were found between the
"return to work" group and "non-return to work" group based on age group
(p=0.04), education level (p=0.001), pre-morbid job category (0.013) and
functional status (p<0.0005) as determined by Functional Independence
Measure scores. Cox regression analysis controlling the period between
discharge and survey indicated that higher FIM scores and higher education
level predicted successful re-employment. Conclusion: This result re-affirmed the importance of functional
status to the success of return-to-work in Singapore. Further qualitative
studies might be useful in exploring the social or environmental factors
affecting return-to-work outcomes.
