Background: Traffic injuries are a common source of work absenteeism. However, little is known about the factors associated with return to work following traffic injuries. One factor that may be a strong predictor of return to work is work ability.
Objectives: 1) To determine whether modified work is a mediator of the association between work ability and return to work in a cohort of individuals injured in a traffic collision (Manuscript 3). 2) To identify factors associated with work ability by conducting a scoping review of the literature (Manuscript 1). 3) To develop a measurement model of work ability (Manuscript 2).
Methods: The scoping review surveyed the literature for common measures of work ability and used the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Heath framework to map factors associated with work ability. This informed the development of a reflective measurement model of work ability using confirmatory factor analysis. The measurement model was then used to examine the direct and indirect effect (through modified work) of work ability on return to work using a structural equation model. All analyses were conducted in a population-based incidence cohort of traffic injuries from Saskatchewan, Canada. Eligible participants for this thesis included those with acute soft tissue injuries. Work ability was measured at baseline and direct and indirect effects were studied longitudinally by examining modified work at six weeks and return to work at three months.
Results: The second-order factor measurement model included four first-order factors (physical, psychological, cognitive functions, activities and participation) and 17 measured variables. The structural equation modeling suggests that work ability and modified work were positively and independently associated with return to work. However, work ability was not associated with modified work.
Conclusion: This thesis supports the multidimensionality of work ability and recognizes its direct association with returning to work. This research also highlights the importance of modified work to the return to work process following a traffic injury.Ph.D.2019-07-11 00:00:0
