Vocational rehabilitation services and outcomes for individuals with arthritis in the United States

BACKGROUND: BACKGROUND: The impact of arthritis on employment results from disease severity and symptoms, loss of function, high physical demands at the workplace, commuting problems, and low educational level. As a result of these factors, identifying effective vocational rehabilitation interventions to retain and/or restore employment for this population is crucial. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to identify demographic and vocational rehabilitation service predictors of employment outcomes for people with chronic arthritis. METHODS: Data for 4,281 individuals with arthritis were extracted from the Rehabilitation Services Administration's (RSA) Case Service Report (RSA-911) database. Multivariate logistic regression analysis employing the purposeful selection approach was utilized to investigate predictors of competitive employment. RESULTS: After controlling for demographic covariates, clients who received counseling and guidance, occupational/vocational training, job search, job placement, on-the-job support, other services and maintenance services were more likely to attain competitive employment. Clients who were younger, white, and had higher level of education were more likely to attain competitive employment. Clients who received SSI/SSDI and had co-existing depressive and/or other mood disorders were less likely to attain competitive employment. CONCLUSIONS: Vocational rehabilitation services have significant positive impact on employment outcomes for people with arthritis. Despite the evidenced positive impact of vocational rehabilitation services, many people with arthritis are not aware or do not utilize state vocational rehabilitation services. Collaboration between rehabilitation and other health professionals promoting the use of vocational rehabilitation services to improve employment outcomes for people with arthritis is needed.