The association between work ability support services and work disability with the mainly used health care sector in mental health disorders and musculoskeletal diseases

Objective: This study examined the association between the health care sector mainly used, the use of work ability support services, and work disability among occupational health care (OHC) patients with mental health disorders and/or musculoskeletal diseases—two major contributors to work disability. Methods: Data from a nationwide OHC provider included sickness absences, disability benefits, health care contacts, and sociodemographics of 54,933 patients. Participants were grouped by diagnosis (F, M, F M) and categorized by their mainly used health care sector. Logistic regression analyzed associations. Results: Most patients mainly used OHC. Those relying on other health care sectors were less likely to receive work ability support and had higher odds of work disability. Conclusions: OHC should identify patients mainly using other sectors to ensure they receive necessary work ability support services.