Work-ability assessment in young adults with disabilities applying for disability benefits

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the impact of diagnosis, co-morbidity, secondary conditions (e.g. learning problems, subclinical mental and somatic complaints, addictions, and socio-emotional and behavioral problems) and problems in social context on work ability as assessed by Insurance Physicians (IPs) in young adults applying for a disability benefit.

Method: IPs of the Social Security Institute assessed young adults with disabilities (aged 15–27) applying for a disability benefit (n = 1755). Data were analyzed with multilevel ordinal regression techniques.

Results: Primary diagnosis, co-morbidity and subclinical mental complaints were associated with IP-assessed work ability. Persons with mental health conditions as primary diagnosis were less likely to reach a higher work ability than persons with somatic diseases. Young adults with two or more co-morbid conditions and those with psychiatric or developmental co-morbidity were less likely to reach a higher work ability level than persons without co-morbidity. Young adults with subclinical mental complaints were half as likely to reach a higher IP-assessed work ability than young adults without this condition.

Conclusion: Primary diagnosis, type and number of co-morbid conditions and subclinical mental complaints are associated with IP-assessed work ability. Work-ability assessments among adolescents with disabilities applying for disability benefits still focus mainly on medical factors.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Work participation of young adults with disabilities is limited.

• Young adults with disabilities often need support to be able to function in social and economic life.

• Adequate work ability assessment of young adults with disabilities and subsequent support may help to improve their participation rates.

Keywords::

• Work ability assessment
• young adults with disabilities
• disability benefits

Declaration of Interest: This study was financially supported by a grant of the UWV Knowledge Centre of the Social Security Institute, The Netherlands.