Gender differences in psychosocial influence and rehabilitation outcomes for work-disabled individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate gender differences in rehabilitation outcomes and how psychosocial factors may interact to influence rehabilitation outcome in work-disabled with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Methods: One hundred and sixty eight (n=168) persons (mean age = 45.5/SD=9.0) participating in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program, were included. Data on pain, functional health and psychosocial factors were collected previous to treatment, after 5 week intensive training and after 52 week follow-up period. Demographics, socio-economics and data on personal characteristics were also collected. Results: Significant (p <.05) gender differences were found on sleeplessness, meaningfulness and manageability. No significant gender differences were found on pain or functional health status variables. Gender differences (p <.001) were found in how socio-demographic and psychosocial factors influence rehabilitation outcomes in terms of functional health status. Conclusions: These data suggests that knowledge of gender differences and the way psychosocial factors influence rehabilitation outcomes must be taken into account in designing rehabilitation intervention.