Self-reported work ability among recipients of sickness allowance by medical diagnosis group

Abstract Background Monitoring and anticipating population well-being, health, and functional capacity is essential for the development of social insurance benefits and rehabilitation services. We investigated the self-reported work ability of vulnerable client groups, particularly recipients of sickness benefits by Social Insurance Institute of Finland (Kela). The aim was to study self-reported work ability among sickness benefit recipients by major disease groups. Methods Data was collected as part of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare's Terve Suomi (Healthy Finland) study during 2022-23. The research data (N = 14 445 persons) was supplemented with national registry data, including records of sickness allowance 1987-2022 from Kela. Register-based data on sickness allowance by ICD-10 groups F (mental and behavioral disorders) and M (musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases), based on year 2022, was utilized. Quantitative methods included cross-tabulation and logistic regression analyses. Results Receiving sickness allowance and number of disability days on sickness allowance were statistically significantly associated with perceived work inability. Most of the persons with sickness allowance due to mental or musculoskeletal diseases reported complete (45-46%) or partial (41-43%) work ability. Only 11-15% reported total inability to work. No differences were found in self-reported workability after taking into account 10-year age-group, ICD-10 diagnosis group (F or M) or gender. Conclusions The study highlights that sickness allowance recipients report high level of work ability, in spite of their background illness. These findings underscore the importance of targeted support measures and rehabilitation services, particularly for individuals with long-term sickness absences. Key messages • Sickness allowance recipients report high level of work ability, in spite of their background illness. • Targeted support measures and rehabilitation services for individuals with long-term sickness absences are needed.