Effectiveness of a targeted occupational health intervention in workers with high risk of sickness absence: baseline characteristics and adherence as effect modifying factors in a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: In a recently published randomized controlled trial (RCT), a targeted occupational health (OH) intervention was found effective in an intention-to-treat analysis in controlling sickness absence among workers with high risk of sickness absence, compared to usual care. We performed an exploratory subgroup analysis in order to detect possible effect modifiers and mediators.

Methods: Age, gender, working status, severity of physical impairment, depression score, self-rated working ability, co-morbidity, and sickness absence characteristics in the previous 12 months were identified as potential effect modifiers (n = 382).

An occupational health intervention programme for workers at high risk for sickness absence. Cost effectiveness analysis based on a randomised controlled trial.

Objectives: To determine whether, from a healthcare perspective, a specific occupational health intervention is cost effective in reducing sickness absence when compared with usual care in occupational health in workers with high risk of sickness absence.

Methods: Economic evaluation alongside a randomised controlled trial. 418 workers with high risk of sickness absence from one corporation were randomised to intervention (n = 209) or to usual care (n = 209).

The effectiveness of two occupational health intervention programmes in reducing sickness absence among employees at risk. Two randomised controlled trials.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of two occupational health intervention programmes, both compared with usual care.

Methods: Based on a health survey, 1341 employees (88% males) in construction, service and maintenance work were classified into three groups: "low risk" (n = 386), "intermediate risk" (n = 537) and "high risk" (n = 418) of sickness absence. Two separate randomised trials were performed in the groups "high risk" and "intermediate risk", respectively.

Self-reported health problems and sickness absence in different age groups predominantly engaged in physical work.

Objectives: To study the associations between self-reported health problems and sickness absence from work.

Methods: The results of a questionnaire survey were combined with archival data of sickness absence of 1341 employees (88% males; 62% blue-collar) in the construction, service and maintenance work within one corporation in Finland. Sex, age and occupational grading were controlled as confounders.

Effect of mandibular setback surgery on the posterior airway size.

Treatment of dentofacial deformities with jaw osteotomies has an effect on airway anatomy, and therefore, mandibular setback surgery has the potential to diminish airway size. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term effect of mandibular setback surgery on the airway size. The material consisted of pre- and postoperative (minimum 1 year) lateral radiograms of 22 individuals (18 females and 4 males) with a mean age of 30 years, who had undergone mandibular setback surgery to correct skeletal Class III discrepancies.