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. 2019 Jan 21;9(1):e021742.
doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-021742.

Influence of significant others on work participation of individuals with chronic diseases: a systematic review

Nicole C Snippen  1 , Haitze J de Vries  1 , Sylvia J van der Burg-Vermeulen  2 , Mariët Hagedoorn  3 , Sandra Brouwer  1
Affiliations

Influence of significant others on work participation of individuals with chronic diseases: a systematic review

Nicole C Snippen et al. BMJ Open. .

Abstract

Objective: It is widely recognised that significant others (SOs), such as a partner, family member or friend, can influence health outcomes of individuals with a chronic disease. However, not much is known about which specific cognitions (ie, illness perceptions and expectation of work ability) and behaviours (eg, emotional and practical support) of SOs influence work participation. Therefore, we aimed to identify cognitions and behaviours of SOs that are related to work participation of individuals with a chronic disease.

Design: A systematic review and thematic synthesis.

Data sources: PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, SocINDEX and Web of Science were searched until 28 March 2017.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies: We included studies reporting on cognitions and behaviours of SOs related to work participation in populations with various chronic diseases.

Data extraction and synthesis: Two independent reviewers extracted the data and performed a quality assessment using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies from the Effective Public Health Practice Project 2007 and a checklist for assessment of qualitative studies derived from the Cochrane Supplemental Handbook Guidance. Evidence was thematically synthesised.

Results: Out of 5168 articles, 18 were included (15 qualitative and 3 quantitative) of moderate to high quality. Studies were on cancer, chronic pain, brain injuries and mental health disorders. After thematic synthesis 27 factors could be distinguished. Consistent evidence was found that SOs' positive and encouraging attitudes regarding work participation, encouragement and motivating behaviour and open communication with patients are facilitators for work participation. Consistently reported barriers were SOs' positive attitudes towards sickness absence and advise, encouragement or pressure to refrain from work.

Conclusions: Our findings show that several cognitions and behaviours of SOs can facilitate or hinder work participation of individuals with a chronic disease. Intervening on these factors by involving SOs in disability prevention and return to work intervention strategies may be beneficial. More prognostic studies are needed, as the current evidence is mostly based on qualitative studies.

Keywords: public health; social medicine.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: NCS, HJdV and SB report grants from Instituut Gak, during the conduct of the study; SJvdB-V and MH have nothing to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow diagram of the search process. SO, significant others.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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