Barriers against returning to work--as perceived by disability pensioners with back pain: a focus group based qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the issue of perceived barriers for returning to work, based on the experiences and beliefs in a group of disability pensioners with back pain.

Method: Focus groups were used to interview 12 women and five men, aged 38 - 56, who participated in a larger project aiming to help disability pensioners back to work.

Results: The barriers appearing were related to earlier negative experiences, poor self-judgement of work ability and low self-esteem, lack of support from social security authorities and unsuitable economic arrangements. The pensioners also suggested alternative solutions for making a possible return to work.

Conclusions: Our study provides insight into the perceived barriers of returning to work and might be useful in future efforts aiming to help disability pensioners back to work.