Upper limb absence : predictors of work participation and work productivity

• Objective: to analyze work participation, work productivity and contributing factors, as well as physical work demands, in individuals with an upper limb defect (ULD).Design: cross-sectional study: postal survey (response rate: 53%).Setting: patients of twelve rehabilitation centers and orthopedic workshops in the Netherlands.Participants: 207 individuals with unilateral transversal upper limb reduction deficiency (ULRD) or amputation (ULA), at or proximal to the carpal level, between the ages of 18 and 65 years, and a convenience sample of 90 controls (matched on age and gender).Interventions: not applicable.Main outcome measures: employment status, self-reported work productivity and self-reported upper extremity work demands.Results: 74% of individuals with ULRD and 57% of the individuals with ULA were employed. Males, using a prosthesis, with medium or higher level of education and good general health were most often employed. Work productivity was similar to the control group. Higher work productivity was related to predominantly mentally demanding type of work and less MSC related pain. Upper extremity work demands were higher in individuals with ULD with predominantly mentally demanding work, compared to controls with this type of work. Conclusions: the outcome of work participation of individuals with ULRD is comparable to the general population in the Netherlands. Individuals with ULA had lower rates of employment. Work productivity was not associated to one-handedness.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Arbetsterapi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Occupational Therapy (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Amputation; Efficiency

employment

rehabilitation

upper extremity

upper extremity deformities

congenital

Medicine

Medicin

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)