Association between pain coping and symptoms of anxiety and depression, and work absenteeism in people with upper limb musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prospective association of pain coping strategies and symptoms of anxiety and depression with work absenteeism in people with upper limb musculoskeletal disorders.

DATA SOURCES: A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases was conducted from inception to September 23, 2022.

STUDY SELECTION: Prospective observational studies of adults with upper limb musculoskeletal disorders were included. Included studies had to provide data on the association of pain coping strategies (catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, self-efficacy or fear avoidance) or symptoms of anxiety and depression with work absenteeism.

DATA EXTRACTION: Study selection, data extraction, and assessment of methodological quality (Newcastle Ottawa Scale) were performed by 2 independent authors. Random-effects models were used for quantitative synthesis.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Eighteen studies (n=12,393 participants) were included. Most studies (77.8%) reported at least 1 significant association between 1 or more exposure factors (pain coping strategies or symptoms of anxiety and depression) and work absenteeism. Meta-analyses showed a statistically significant correlation between the exposure factors of catastrophizing (r=0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15 to 0.40; P<.0001) and symptoms of anxiety and depression (r=0.23, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.34; P=.0003) with work absenteeism. The correlation between self-efficacy and work absenteeism was non-significant (r=0.24, 95% CI: -0.02 to 0.47; P=.0747).

CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation teams should consider assessing catastrophizing and symptoms of anxiety and depression to identify patients at risk for work absenteeism. Addressing these variables may also be considered in return-to-work programs for individuals with upper limb disorders.