Return to work after sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorder or injury: a longitudinal study conducted in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders and injuries (MSDI) are conditions that affect the locomotor system characterized by pain and impairment of functionality. They are the leading cause of years lived with disability. The aim of this study was to analyze the factors that influence the return to work (RTW) among workers on sick leave due to MSDI.   METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, between 2020-2022. The participants were 216 workers who required social security compensation due to MSDI. They filled out online questionnaires about their sociodemographic characteristics, health risk behaviors, work characteristics and health conditions. They were followed for 365 days after their first day of sick leave. A Cox regression was performed to identify the factors that influenced their first RTW. RESULTS: Most participants were male (53.0%), mean age was 39.5 years (SD 10.6), 70.4% returned to work within the one-year follow-up period. The mean duration of sick leave was 192.6 days. Factors associated with a lower RTW were age 40 years and older (HR 0.54; 95%CI 0.39-0.76) and the interaction between perceptions of the need for improvement in the physical and psychological domains of quality of life (HR 0.67; 95%CI 0.48-0.94). CONCLUSIONS: Occupational healthcare professionals should pay greater attention to patients who are aging and those with perceived worse physical and psychological conditions, in order to facilitate the reintegration process and promote sustained RTW after sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorder or injury.

A cohort study of psychosocial work stressors on work ability among Brazilian hospital workers.

BACKGROUND: Hospital work is characterized by stressors that can influence work ability. The present study aims to assess the association between psychosocial work stressors and changes in work ability in a group of Brazilian hospital employees. METHODS: From 1,022 workers included in a 3-year cohort started in 2009, 423 (41.4%) returned the applied questionnaires in 2012. Changes in work ability were considered as the dependent variable and the investigated psychosocial work stressors as independent variables. Logistic regression models adjusted for potential con-founders (demographic, occupational features, social support, overcommitment, and situations liable to cause pain/injury). RESULTS: High levels of exposure to psychosocial work stressors were significantly associated with decreased work ability: job strain (OR = 2.81), effort-reward imbalance (OR = 3.21). CONCLUSION: Strategies to reduce psychosocial work stressors should be considered to maintain hospital employees' work ability. Such strategies have implications for institutional and social policies and might be included in quality management programs.

Temporal trend and magnitude of previdenciary benefits for workplace accidents in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the temporal trend and magnitude of national indicators of previdenciary benefits for workplace accidents issued and granted by the Social Security of Brazil. METHODS: Secondary data from Social Security from 2008 to 2019 were used. The trend and percentage variation of the indicators were estimated through Prais-Winsten generalized linear regression. RESULTS: A total of 9,220,372 previdenciary benefits for workplace accidents were issued by the Social Security of Brazil in the period, costing approximately R$ 8.4 billion and representing about 2.0% of the net value of all benefits paid. None of the categories of previdenciary benefits for workplace accidents showed an increasing trend. The highest variation in the benefits granted and issued for workplace accidents occurred in temporary disability benefit (B91), with an annual percentage variation of -54.00% and -29.29%, respectively. CONCLUSION: A reduction in magnitude and an overall decreasing trend were observed in the historical series of national indicators of benefits granted and benefits issued related to workplace accidents in Brazil from 2008 to 2019.

Part-time or full-time teleworking? A systematic review of the psychosocial risk factors of telework from home.

Introduction: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic thousands of people have experienced teleworking and this practice is becoming increasingly commonplace. This review aims to highlight the differences in exposure to psychosocial risk factors for health between part-time and full-time teleworking from home. Methods: The protocol of the systematic review of the literature was registered on PROSPERO 2020 platform according to the PRISMA statement guidelines. The key words "telework" and "frequency" ("part-time" or "full-time"), together with their synonyms and variations, were searched. Independent researchers conducted the systematic search of 7 databases: Scopus, SciELO, PePSIC; PsycInfo, PubMed, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA) and Web of Science. Of the 638 articles identified from 2010 to June 2021, 32 were selected for data extraction. The authors evaluated the risk of bias and quality of evidence of the studies included using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Main themes categorized include 7 dimensions of psychosocial risk factors: work intensity and working hours; emotional demands; autonomy; social relationships at work; conflict of values, work insecurity and home/work interface. Results: The results revealed scant practice of full-time teleworking prior to the pandemic. Regarding the psychosocial risk factors found, differences were evident before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. For part-time and full-time telework prior to the pandemic, the dimensions of intensification of work and working hours, social relationships at work, and the home-work interface were the most prominent factors. However, studies performed during the COVID-19 pandemic where teleworking was mostly performed full-time, there was an increase in focus on emotional demands and the home-work interface, and a reduction in the other dimensions. Discussion: Full-time telework brings important changes in working conditions and has the potential to affect living and health conditions of teleworkers. Part-time teleworking may have positive impact on psychosocial risk factors, favoring work-home balance, communication, and social relationships. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=191455, PROSPERO 2020 CRD4202019 1455.

Occupational accident indicators among Social Security beneficiaries: temporal trend and magnitude in Brazil and its regions, 2009-2019.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the temporal trend and magnitude of occupational accident indicators among Social Security beneficiaries in Brazil and its regions from 2009 to 2019. METHODS: A time series study was conducted on occupational accident indicators in the regions of Brazil, from 2009 to 2019. Data were retrieved from the Statistical Yearbook of Occupational Accidents and the Statistical Yearbook of Social Security. Prais-Winsten generalized linear regression models were used to estimate trends, and annual percentage change and their respective 95% confidence intervals were obtained. RESULTS: There were 7,253,923 occupational accidents during the study period. The average incidence rate was 16.3 per 1,000 employment relationships, with a decreasing trend (APC = 4.3%; 95%CI -5.63;-3.26). CONCLUSION: Brazil and its regions showed an overall decreasing trend in indicators representing morbidity burden and the magnitude of occupational accidents. MAIN RESULTS: In Brazil, despite regional inequalities, there has been a decrease in occupational accident rates reported to Social Security. IMPLICATIONS FOR SERVICES: The results suggest improvements in working conditions, control and prevention of occupational accidents among these workers and contribute to targeting measures to prevent and control these diseases in the regions with the highest incidence. PERSPECTIVES: Further research could explore trends according to professional category and economic activity sector, aimed at improving the monitoring of safety conditions and the wellbeing of workers in the regions of Brazil.

Factors associated with visual function among computer-based administrative workers: a Brazilian cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Several studies have shown that eye and vision problems are among the most significant issues reported by individuals who use computers at work. Objectives: To investigate individual and occupational environmental factors associated with visual function among workers who perform computer-based administrative tasks. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2014-2015 with 303 workers of a public hospital in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The participants answered a structured questionnaire, including the 25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire. Statistical analyses used descriptive analysis, tests of association and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Most participants were female (61.1%); the mean age was 46.0 (standard deviation [SD]) ± 12.5, and approximately 91.7% of them reported wearing corrective lenses. Regarding visual function, the mean score at the 25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire was 78.0, SD ±7.1. A regression analysis showed that visual function declined with age (ß -0.218; 95%CI -0.276--0.16l) and effort at work (ß -0.656; 95%CI -0.928--0.383). Conclusions: The mean quality of visual health in the studied group was good. The younger the age and the lower the effort at work, the better the visual function. Our results point to the relevance of establishing periodical and preventive health actions, including eye health assessments.

Introdução: Vários estudos mostraram que os problemas oculares e visuais são distúrbios importantes relatados por usuários de computador. Objetivos: Investigar os fatores ambientais individuais e ocupacionais associados à função visual em trabalhadores administrativos usuários de computador. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado em 2014-2015, com 303 trabalhadores de um hospital público da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Os participantes responderam a um questionário estruturado, incluindo o Questionário de Função Visual do National Eye Institute de 25 Itens. A análise estatística utilizou variáveis descritivas e qualitativas e uma análise de regressão linear múltipla. Resultados: A maioria dos participantes era do sexo feminino (61,1%); a média de idade era de 46,0 (desvio-padrão) ± 12,5, aproximadamente 91,7% deles relataram o uso de lentes corretivas. O escore médio do Questionário de Função Visual do National Eye Institute de 25 Itens foi de 78,0 desvios padrão ± 7,1. A análise de regressão mostrou que a função visual diminuiu com o aumento da idade (ß −0,218; IC95% −0,276--0,161) e esforços no trabalho (ß −0,656; IC95% −0,928--0,383). Conclusões: A qualidade média da saúde visual era boa no grupo. A função visual era melhor entre os mais jovens e com percepção de menor esforço no trabalho. Os resultados apontam para a relevância de manter ações periódicas, como a avaliação da saúde ocular.

Overweight and Obesity in Brazilian Immigrants in Massachusetts, USA: A Time Series Analysis (2009-2020).

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is considered a growing public health problem by the Brazilian Ministry of Health and a global epidemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated the prevalence of adult obesity at 31.9% in the USA. The USA is one of the main destinations for Brazilian immigrants in search of better living conditions, and Massachusetts is one of the states with the highest presence of Brazilians. Changes in lifestyle and eating habits are often associated with increases in overweight and obesity in immigrants in the USA, especially Hispanics, an official classification that does not, however, include Brazilians. The aim of this study was to describe the temporal trend of overweight and obesity in Brazilian immigrants assisted by the Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) healthcare network in Massachusetts. METHODS: This was an ecological time series study of 128,206 records of Brazilians aged between 18 and 60 years based on hospital data from 2009 to 2020. RESULTS: Mean age was 38.9 (SD = 10.6), and 61% of the sample were women. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 38.4% and 25.4%, respectively. Obesity exhibited an increasing trend, while eutrophy and overweight decreased during the study period. CONCLUSION: As little is known about the health of Brazilian immigrants in the USA, this study contributes to the literature on the subject. The observed increasing trends agree with the worldwide increase in obesity and indicate the need for future research exploring individual factors associated with immigrant acculturation.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Length of Stay at Work after Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Longitudinal Study in Brazil.

Vocational rehabilitation is an intervention to enhance the return to work and improve quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate sociodemographic and occupational factors associated with the length of stay at work among workers with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) who had undergone rehabilitation through the Brazilian public social security system. This was a longitudinal study among 680 workers with histories of disability due to WRMDs who returned to the formal job market after vocational rehabilitation between 2014 and 2018. Survival analysis was performed to identify the factors influencing permanence in work. Job dismissal occurred for 29.26% of the workers. The average duration of employment after returning to the formal job position was 56 months. The following factors were associated with shorter length of employment: living in the southeastern region (HR: 2.78; 95% CI 1.12-6.91) or southern region (HR: 2.68; 95% CI 1.04-6.90) of Brazil; working in transportation, storage or postal services (HR: 2.57; 95% CI 1.07-6.17); or working in financial activities, insurance or related services (HR: 2.70; 95% CI 1.05-6.89). These findings may contribute to the discussion about prevention of disability and interventions to ensure health care for workers with WRMD disabilities who undergo rehabilitation.

Influence of Environmental Exposure to Steel Waste on Endocrine Dysregulation and PER3 Gene Polymorphisms.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between environmental exposure to the following chemical substances: cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), benzene (BZN), and toluene (TLN), and Period Circadian Regulator 3 (PER3) gene variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphisms, according to chronotype in a population living in a steel residue-contaminated area. METHODS: This assessment comprises a study conducted from 2017 to 2019 with 159 participants who completed health, work, and Pittsburgh sleep scale questionnaires. Cd, Pb, Ni, Mn, BZN, and TLN concentrations in blood and urine were determined by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS) and Headspace Gas Chromatography (GC), and genotyping was carried out using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). RESULTS: A total of 47% of the participants were afternoon chronotype, 42% were indifferent, and 11% were morning chronotype. Insomnia and excessive sleepiness were associated with the indifferent chronotype, while higher urinary manganese levels were associated with the morning chronotype (Kruskal-Wallis chi-square = 9.16; p < 0.01). In turn, the evening chronotype was associated with poorer sleep quality, higher lead levels in blood, and BZN and TLN levels in urine (χ2 = 11.20; p < 0.01) in non-occupationally exposed individuals (χ2 = 6.98; p < 0.01) as well as the highest BZN (χ2 = 9.66; p < 0.01) and TLN (χ2 = 5.71; p < 0.01) levels detected in residents from the influence zone 2 (far from the slag). CONCLUSION: Mn, Pb, benzene, and toluene contaminants may have influenced the different chronotypes found in the steel residue-exposed population.

Systemic autoimmune diseases and work outcomes in Brazil: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: To review articles that assessed work-related outcomes such as workability, work productivity, presenteeism, absenteeism, sick leave, return to work, and employment status of Brazilian patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, Sjögren's syndrome, and systemic autoimmune myopathies. METHODS: This study was conducted in Medline databases (PubMed), SciELO, and Lilacs through a combination of descriptors of interest. Studies published until December 2020 were considered in the search strategy. RESULTS: Eight out of 90 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. The studies are highly heterogeneous. Most of them are cross-sectional, and all of them address rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. A common denominator among these studies is the high proportion of patients outside the labor market. CONCLUSIONS: In general, the studies show unfavorable labor outcomes and impaired participation in the Brazilian workforce among the samples of patients assessed. There is a need to better understand several topics about Brazilian patients with systemic autoimmune diseases and their work context, as well as to conduct studies focusing on rarer diseases and on the themes of return and reintegration to work.

Factors associated with work ability and intention to leave nursing profession: a nested case-control study.

This study aims to identify factors associated with impaired work ability and intention to leave the nursing profession. This is a case-control nested within a cross-sectional study. Samples were randomly selected for work ability (475 controls and 158 cases) and intention to leave profession (454 controls and 151 cases). Data on demographic, lifestyle, occupational features, work environment, work ability and intention to leave profession were collected. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Factors associated with work ability impairment were: risk for moderate (OR=1.28) and high (OR=2.26) job strain, effort-reward imbalance (OR=2.82), high overcommitment (OR=1.77), situations that may contribute to musculoskeletal pain/injury with moderate (OR=1.82) or high (OR=2.58) exposures, degree level (OR=2.13) or elementary/high school level (OR=1.67), and low physical activity (OR=1.74). Age of 31-40 years (OR=0.26) and ≥41 years (OR=0.27) were protective factors. Factors associated with intention to leave profession were: high risk for job strain (OR=1.81), effort-reward imbalance (OR=3.25), situations that may contribute to musculoskeletal pain/injury with high exposure (OR=1.54), and insomnia symptoms (OR=2.72). Age >40 years was a protective factor (OR=0.50). Individual characteristics and occupational conditions were associated with work ability impairment and intention to leave profession. Measures to improve working conditions and individual resources were recommended.

Working conditions are associated with the occurrence of sleepiness of nursing professionals: a case-control study.

Objectives: To identify the factors associated with the occurrence of sleepiness among nursing professionals. Material and Methods: A case-control study nested in a cross-sectional one, conducted with 364 controls and 121 cases. Data on demographic and occupational characteristics were collected, as well as about lifestyle, physical and psychosocial work environment and somnolence. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: The independent factors associated with the presence of sleepiness were as follows: imbalance between efforts and rewards (ORa=3.81; p<0.001), high overcommitment (ORa=3.20; p<0.001), workload equal to or greater than 45 hours a week (ORa=2.30; p=0.001), situations that can generate pain/injury with moderate or high exposure (ORa=1.85; p=0.037), and night work (ORa=1.71; p=0.038). The model was adjusted by gender and age group. Conclusion: Individual and historical-occupational characteristics and, mainly, those related to the physical and psychosocial work environment, were associated with the occurrence of sleepiness. Public and institutional preventive policies must include improvements in the conditions of the physical and psychosocial work environment, as well as strengthening of the individual resources.

Relationship between sleeping on the night shift and recovery from work among nursing workers - the influence of domestic work.

AIM: This paper is a report of a study on the association between sleep patterns during work nights and recovery from work among nursing workers, considering domestic work hours. BACKGROUND: Several hospitals allow nursing workers to sleep during the night shift, but this is rarely evaluated from the workers' health perspective. The need for recovery from work concept can be useful for testing the impact of night work on sleep. Recovery is not a problem if workers have enough time to recover between periods of work. Therefore, domestic work would be likely to interfere in the recovery process. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out at three hospitals in 2005-2006, through a comprehensive questionnaire. All nursing teams engaged in assistance to patients were invited to participate. Analyses included female night workers with no incidence of insomnia. Participants (n = 396) were classified into those who did not sleep during night shifts, those who slept for up to 2 hours and those who slept for 2-3 hours. RESULTS: Binomial logistic regression analysis showed that sleeping on the job for 2-3 hours during night shifts is related to a better recovery from work provided the workers do not undergo long domestic work hours. CONCLUSIONS: Being allowed to sleep at work during night shifts seemed to contribute to, but was not enough to guarantee, a good recovery from work in the studied population. Recommendations to deal with sleep-deprivation among night workers should consider the complexity of gender roles on the recovery process.

Return to Work After a Disabling Mental Disorder: Predictors From a Brazilian 1-Year Longitudinal Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze factors that influence return to work (RTW) among workers on sickness absence due to mental disorders. METHODS: A longitudinal study conducted between 2014 and 2017 in São Paulo, Brazil. The 385 participants answered a questionnaire including sociodemographics, habits/lifestyle, job characteristics, and clinical information. Survival analysis was performed to identify factors influencing the RTW. RESULTS: Most of participants were females (74.5%), worked in jobs dealing with public (44.2%) and were depressed (52.4%). RTW occurred for 68.3% participants over 1-year follow-up. Mean duration of absence was 163.83 days. The risk profile for remaining absent was heavy smokers, be abstainer, obese, deal with the public, perceived great effort at work, and low self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: These findings can contribute in discussion about disability prevention and interventions to assure mental health care for workers.

Aging and the Future of Decent Work.

The United Nations identified decent work and economic growth as a sustainable development goal for 2030. Decent work is a term that sums up aspirations for people in their working lives. One of the factors that influences the achievement of decent work is aging. This article examines how aspects of aging and organizational factors affect work ability across the lifespan and throughout one's work career. Additionally, the critical issue of worker physical mobility was also addressed as a practical limitation to functional aging. Through our investigation, we identified gaps in the literature where research and interventions should be promoted. These include early disability studies; population dashboards of workers' health metrics; intervention and cost effectiveness in health promotion and prevention of early functional aging at work; policies for tailoring demands to individual needs and abilities; and inequities of social protection for aging workers.

Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA): factors associated with work in adolescence. / Estudo de Riscos Cardiovasculares em Adolescentes (ERICA): fatores associados ao trabalho na adolescência.

This study aimed to verify the association between work and sociodemographic factors, health behaviors, and cardiovascular risk in Brazilian adolescents. Data from the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA) were analyzed, with a sample of 37,815 adolescents aged 12-17 years and morning shift students. Considering complex sampling, crude and adjusted Prevalence Ratios (PR) were calculated with interval estimates for variables by Poisson multiple regression model with robust variance estimate. The sociodemographic factors associated with work among Brazilian adolescents were male gender (PR 1.34), aged 15-17 years, with maternal schooling up to elementary school (PR 1.26), public school students (PR 1.63), and from the rural area (PR 1.90). Regarding lifestyle habits and social behavior, the association was significant in physically active (PR 1.19) and alcohol-consuming students (PR 1.35). In conclusion, work among Brazilian adolescent morning shift students is still strongly linked to social issues. Work was associated with alcohol consumption, and there was no association with metabolic markers.

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar associação entre trabalho e fatores sociodemográficos, de condutas de saúde e de risco cardiovasculares em adolescentes brasileiros. Foram analisados dados do Estudo de Riscos Cardiovasculares em Adolescentes (ERICA), com amostra constituída de 37.815 adolescentes com idades entre 12 e 17 anos, estudantes do turno matutino. Considerando a amostragem complexa, foram calculadas as Razões de Prevalências (RP) brutas e ajustadas com estimativas intervalares para as variáveis usando modelo de regressão múltipla de Poisson com estimativa robusta da variância. Os fatores sociodemográficos associados ao trabalho entre adolescentes brasileiros foram: sexo masculino (RP 1,34), idade entre 15 e 17 anos (RP 1,68), escolaridade materna até o fundamental (RP 1,26), de escola pública (RP 1,63) e da zona rural (RP 1,90). Em relação a hábitos de vida e comportamento social, a associação foi significativa em alunos ativos fisicamente (RP 1,19) e que consumiam álcool (RP 1,35). Em conclusão, o trabalho entre adolescentes brasileiros estudantes do turno matutino ainda está ligado fortemente às questões sociais. O trabalho foi associado ao consumo de álcool e não houve associação com marcadores metabólicos.

Work and excessive sleepiness among Brazilian evening high school students: effects on days off.

Previous studies have revealed that students who work and study build up sleep deficits during the workweek, which can trigger a sleep rebound during days off. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of working/non-working on sleepiness during days off among high school students. The study population, aged 14-21 years, attended evening classes in São Paulo, Brazil. For the study, the students completed questionnaires on living conditions, health, and work; wore actigraphs; and completed the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS). To predict sleepiness, a logistic regression analysis was performed. Excessive sleepiness was observed on the first day off among working students. Results suggest that working is a significant predictor for sleepiness and that two shifts of daily systematic activities, study and work, might lead to excessive daytime sleepiness on the first day off. Further, this observed excessive sleepiness may reflect the sleep debt accumulated during the workweek.

Understudied school teachers' work/life balance and everyday life typologies.

Teachers comprise a unique and understudied occupational; their duty hours extend beyond the work setting and can impact the quality of life and work-life balance. Unlike employees of other occupations, teachers and the teaching profession have received relatively little study. To call attention to this deficiency, we conducted in-depth interviews of 29 teachers employed by public schools in São Paulo, Brazil. Their narratives revealed three different everyday life typologies, i.e. duty-duty, duty-need and duty-pleasure, plus compromised quality of life when supposedly off work. Collectively, our findings contribute to a greater understanding of the unfavorable work-life balance of teachers and its potential for risk for disease processes that ought to motivate future research.

Multiform invasion of life by work among basic education teachers and repercussions on health.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies have pointed to a scenario of precariousness and illness among teachers. However, the way the profession resonates with the personal life of teachers has not received significant attention, even if it is common for them to take work home. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the repercussion of work on the everyday life of teachers and its implication on the health-disease process. METHODS: This is a qualitative study based on individual semi-structured interviews, complemented by a form of sociodemographic characterization. Data were analyzed by thematic coding with the aid of the MAXQDA 12 software. This study included 29 teachers from four public schools of the municipal and state networks of regular and full day education of São Paulo, in addition to the principal of each school. RESULTS: The results indicated that the illnesses arising from work have been projected on the personal life of teachers. We identified four main forms of manifestation of this type of invasion: continuous link with work by successive frustrations; moral harassment; uninterrupted pending matters; and interference over the private course of life. CONCLUSION: The social and pathogenic suffering caused by the invasion of life by work pointed to this phenomenon as one of the elements that can help explain the recurrent clinical pictures of illness among teachers.

Trends in the Cumulative Incidence of Vocational Rehabilitation Indicators in Brazil, 2007-2016.

Vocational rehabilitation (VR) aims at improving work ability to facilitate workers' return to work. VR is provided in Brazil by the public social security system. The aim of the present study was to analyze trends in VR indicators for Brazil from 2007 to 2016. Based on open-access, secondary aggregate data, we calculated the cumulative incidence of VR indicators. We fitted Prais-Winsten generalized linear regression models to estimate trends and calculated annual percent variation with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The mean cumulative incidence of referrals to VR services was 37.16/1000 temporary disability benefits granted and exhibited a decreasing trend of -6.92% (95% CI: -8.38; -5.43). The mean cumulative incidence of admissions to VR services was 57.34/100 referrals and exhibited an increasing trend of 3.31% (95% CI: 1.13; 5.53). The mean cumulative incidence of rehabilitation was 57.43/100 admissions and remained stable along the analyzed period, -2.84 (95% CI: -5.87; 0.29). Our findings evidence a reduction in the number of workers referred for VR, an increase of admissions, and stability in the cumulative incidence of rehabilitated workers.