Work

Chronic Pain and Labour Market Affiliation: Effect of Demographic Factors and Comorbidities 5 Years Before and 2 Years After Multidisciplinary Treatment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Purpose This study investigates the association of sociodemographic factors and comorbidities with labour market affiliation among patients with non‐malignant chronic pain treated at multidisciplinary pain centres in Denmark. Methods This registry‐based cohort study used data from the nationwide Danish Civil Registration System and Danish National Patient Registry. Patients treated at multidisciplinary pain centres in 2013–2017 were included. Labour market affiliation was assessed 5 years before and 2 years after treatment and at treatment initiation (baseline). Sequence and logistic regression analyses were used to identify associations. Results 2375 patients (median age 47 years, female 64%, comorbidity: Mean Charlson's comorbidity score: 0.88, affective disorder: 45%, anxiety disorder: 37.0%, personality disorder: 7.8%) were included. At treatment initiation, only 34.2% of patients were employed, compared to 58.6% 5 years before treatment. Sequence analysis revealed that most patients remained in or transitioned to a ‘no labour market affiliation’ state. Factors significantly associated with labour market affiliation across timepoints included age (adjusted odd ratio [aOR] and 95% confidence interval [CI] age 56–65 = 0.51 [0.38–0.69]), marital status (aOR cohabitant = 1.58 [1.30–1.92]), education level (aOR high = 4.56 [3.51–5.93]), immigrant status (aOR non‐western = 0.35 [0.26–0.45]) and psychiatric comorbidities (aOR affective disorders = 0.67 [0.56–0.87]). Conclusion Patients with high‐impact, treatment‐resistant chronic pain face early labour market detachment, highlighting the need for timely, equitable interventions to support employment, especially among vulnerable groups. Significance Statement The study offers new evidence on how socioeconomic and psychiatric comorbid vulnerabilities shape long‐term labour market affiliation before relevant multidisciplinary treatment is initiated and suggests that key intervention opportunities for at‐risk patients may be missed under current practice.

Source: European Journal of Pain

DOI: 10.1002/ejp.70135

Authors: Lea Stevnsborg, Magnus Pedersen, Lilli Kirkeskov, Per Føge Jensen, Merete Osler

Institutions: Frederiksberg Hospital, Rigshospitalet

Language: English

Topic: Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation

Subfield: Pharmacology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,310