Young immigrants on long-term sick-leave : a clinical study of diagnostic factors, psychosocial stressors, functional ability and sick-leave patterns
Engelsk titel: Young immigrants on long-term sick-leave : a clinical study of diagnostic factors, psychosocial stressors, functional ability and sick-leave patterns
Författare:
Löfvander, Monica
;
Engström, Alf
;
Theander, Hans
;
Furhoff, Anna-Karin
Språk: Eng
Antal referenser: 28
Dokumenttyp:
Artikel
UI-nummer: 54551
Sammanfattning
Sickness certification data for all immigrants 16-45 years of age on long-term sick-leave enlisted at a local health insurance office were studied. The diagnostic pattern was remarkably homogeneous, characterised by imprecise pain and/or imprecise mental disorders. Clinical data were provided by a multiaxial evaluation of 52. Ratings of pain behaviour and functional ability regarding occupational duties were also included. Nearly half had few social contact both within their ethnic group and Swedish society. Half were assessed as being exposed to moderate or severe psychosocial stressors, and many had an associated mild or moderate depressive disorder. Muscular pain was the most frequent physical disorder. The study illustrates the ease with which a vicious circle of pain behaviour and further sickness certification could be created. I conclusion, social distress and iatrogenic factors may have played an important part in the sick-leave pattern seen in the group of young immigrants.