Localized and generalized disorders of the locomotor system – psychosocial and gender aspects: A ten year follow-up of rehabilitation

Abstract

Purpose. To evaluate localized disorders (LD) and generalized disorders (GD) of the locomotor system to differences in gender, personal and psychosocial factors in relation to outcome 10 years after the rehabilitation was initiated.

Method. A total of 372 individuals (174 men and 198 women) representing two diagnostic groups, localized disorder (LD) and generalized disorder (GD) of the locomotor system, were followed for 10 years with regard to sick benefit (SB) and disability pension (DP) in relation to psychosocial background, Sense of Coherence (SOC) and Perceived Health (PH).

Results. Men with GD were more often single and had a lower SOC. Women with GD had more psychosocial markers and worse PH. Women with GD were more often on sick leave three years after rehabilitation and more often claim SB as well as DP after 10 years. Men with a low SOC and women with only compulsory school education had an increased risk of having a GD.

Conclusion. The presence of GD of the locomotor system could be a reminder of the advisability to explore the patient's psychosocial condition in order to improve medical as well as vocational rehabilitation.

Keywords:

• Rehabilitation
• disability pension
• sense of coherence
• perceived health
• locomotor
• psychosocial
• gender