A Method for Imputing the Impact of Health Problems on At-Work Performance and Productivity From Available Health Data

Objective: To develop a method for imputing the work performance and productivity impact of illness and treatment from available data. Methods: Using data from four studies of musculoskeletal disorders (eg, osteoarthritis) and pain, we modeled the relationships between scores from the Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ), a validated measure of health-related limitations in work performance and productivity, and a series of validated health measures (eg, a pain scale). Results: The 15 health and 5 WLQ variables were significantly associated in 115 of 116 study-specific models (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Fifteen commonly collected health variables may be used to predict WLQ impact (increase of decrease) for samples with musculoskeletal pain and physical impairments to help fill information gaps. (J Occup Environ Med. 2009; 51:515-524).