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

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.