Predictive Factors Associated With the Utilization of Vocational Rehabilitation for Occupational Diseases in Finland: A Multiregister Analysis

Abstract

Objectives The aims of the study were to evaluate the utilization of vocational rehabilitation (VR) in occupational diseases (ODs) and to determine associated predictive factors. Methods The national register data of recognized ODs in Finland (2005-2018) were combined with insurance compensation data and sociodemographic data. We analyzed the effect of the diagnosis, age group, sex, socioeconomic group, and number of allergic ODs on VR utilization. Results Of the 24,237 working aged subjects with a recognized OD, 1615 (6.7%) had received VR. Allergic ODs of the skin or respiratory system accounted for 76% of VR cases. The probability of VR decreased significantly with age. Conclusions Utilization of VR varied substantially between ODs and age groups. It is important to assess the need for VR services when the OD is diagnosed, especially in the case of work-related hypersensitivity.