A method for imputing the impact of health problems on at-work performance and productivity from available health data.

摘要

OBJECTIVE: To develop a method for imputing the work performance and productivity impact of illness and treatment from available data. METHODS: Using data from four studies of musculoskeletal disorders (eg, osteoarthritis) and pain, we modeled the relationships between scores from the Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ), a validated measure of health-related limitations in work performance and productivity, and a series of validated health measures (eg, a pain scale). RESULTS: The 15 health and 5 WLQ variables were significantly associated in 115 of 116 study-specific models (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fifteen commonly collected health variables may be used to predict WLQ impact (increase or decrease) for samples with musculoskeletal pain and physical impairments to help fill information gaps.