Exploring the impact of mental and work-related stress on sick leave among middle-aged women: observations from the population study of women in Gothenburg, Sweden.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether mental and work-related stress predicts a one-year incidence of sick leave in a cohort of middle-aged working women. DESIGN: The 2016/17 survey was part of the Population Study of Women in Gothenburg, Sweden, with registry data information on sick leave during one year pre- and post-baseline. SUBJECTS: A cohort of women aged 38 and 50 in 2016/17 (n = 573; 68% participation), of which 504 women were gainfully employed and not on sick leave ± 2 weeks around baseline examination; 493 women had complete data on stress exposure. METHODS: We studied associations between self-assessed mental and work-related stress and incident sick leave of >14 days during the year following the baseline examination. We used multiple logistic regression, adjusting for age and previous sick leave, and additionally for sleep quality, well-being, and physical activity. RESULTS: Overall, 75 women (16%) experienced at least one period of sick leave after baseline. Permanent stress during the last five years almost tripled the risk for incident sick leave, OR = 2.8 (95% CI 1.2-6.3), independent of previous sick leave, OR = 2.3 (95% CI 1.3-4.2). Among 21 specific work-related problems, conflicts at work, OR = 2.2 (95% CI 1.3-3.6), and low decision latitude, OR = 1.7 (95% CI 1.0-2.9), were associated with incident sick leave. The association with conflicts at work remained upon further covariate adjustment. CONCLUSION: Low decision latitude and conflicts at work are risk factors for incident sick leave among working women. The impact of conflicts at work, irrespective of own involvement, may indicate a specific vulnerability among women of interest for future interventions.

About 75% of around 500 middle-aged women reported mental stress in 2016/17. Low decision latitude and conflicts at work predicted incident sick leave independent of general mental stress and previous periods of sick leave. Efforts to improve the work environment may be essential for interventions aiming to reduce absenteeism among working women.

Professionals' experiences of what affects health outcomes in the sick leave and rehabilitation process-A qualitative study from primary care level.

OBJECTIVE: To explore frontline employees' experiences of how to create a purposeful sick leave and rehabilitation process (SRP) with the best interest of patients' long-term health in focus. METHODS: Qualitative design based on focus group interviews in a primary care context in Region Västra Götaland, Sweden. Strategically selected professionals from different SRP organizations discussed sick leave outcomes and the rehabilitation process. Analysis was performed with Systematic text condensation. SUBJECTS: General practitioners (n = 6), rehabilitation coordinators and/or healthcare professionals from primary healthcare (n = 13), caseworkers from the Social Insurance Agency, the Employment Agency, and Social Services (n = 12). RESULTS: The outcome of the SRP was described to depend upon the extent to which the process meets patients' bio-psycho-social needs. Aspects considered crucial were: 1) early bio-psycho-social assessments, including medical specialist consultations when needed, 2) long-term realistic planning of sick leave and rehabilitation alongside medical treatment, 3) access to a wide range of early rehabilitative and supportive interventions, including situation-based, non-medical practical problem solving, and 4) trusting relationships over time for all involved professions and roles to maximize process quality and person-centeredness. A gap between the desired scope of the SRP and existing guidelines was identified. CONCLUSION: Interviewees perceived that successful outcomes from the sick leave and rehabilitation process in a primary care context depend on consensus, person-centeredness, and relationship continuity for all involved professions. An extended process scope and relationship continuity for all involved professionals were suggested to improve process outcomes.

Eating Behaviors and Adiposity Indicators - Observations from the 2016/17 Examination of the Population Study of Women in Gothenburg.

Purpose: To determine the cross-sectional association between eating behavior in terms of the three-factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ) and adiposity measures. Methods: The TFEQ-R21 was administered to 573 women aged 38 and 50 who participated in the population study of women in Gothenburg 2016/17. Three domains, emotional eating (EE), uncontrolled eating (UE), and cognitive restraint (CR) were examined as outcomes as well as predictors of adiposity outcomes. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were adjusted for age, education, lifestyle factors, and dieting behavior. Results: All TFEQ domains were positively associated with dieting. EE and UE were associated with higher consumption of sweets and CR with lower consumption of sweets. Wellbeing was negatively associated with EE and UE. In mutually adjusted models, EE and CR but not UE were positively associated with BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, and skinfold. One standard deviation higher EE was associated with obesity, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, OR = 1.62 (1.26, 2.10), and abdominal fatness, WC > 88 cm, OR = 1.57 (1.26, 1.95). Former and current dieting were positively associated with these outcomes, too, but UE and CR were not associated in mutually adjusted models. Conclusion: This study shows that emotional eating behavior is associated with adiposity in a population of middle-aged women, over a large range of values for body fatness, and independent of dieting behavior. The results imply that treatment of obesity should include psychological support to restrict the risk for emotional eating in response to states of negative mood.

Process evaluation of the CO-WORK-CARE model: Collaboration and a person-centred dialogue meeting for patients with common mental disorder in primary health care.

RATIONALE: To ensure optimal patient care based on evidence, it is crucial to understand how to implement new methods in practice. However, intervention studies often overlook parts of the implementation process. A comprehensive process evaluation is necessary to understand why interventions succeed or fail in specific contexts and to integrate new knowledge into daily practice. This evaluation examines the full implementation of the Co-Work-Care model in Swedish primary healthcare to identify strengths and weaknesses. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the process of implementing the CO-WORK-CARE model that focuses on close collaboration and the use of a person-centred dialogue meeting in primary healthcare for patients on sick leave due to common mental disorders. METHOD: The CO-WORK-CARE model emphasises collaboration among the GP, rehabilitation coordinator and care manager, along with person-centred dialogue meetings involving employers. Following UK Medical Research Council guidelines, we conducted a process evaluation. Data from previous studies were reanalysed. We also analysed field notes and meeting notes using Malterud's qualitative method. RESULTS: The evaluation identified key facilitators for model implementation, including regular visits by facilitators and guidance from the research physician. Peer support meetings also bolstered implementation. However, challenges emerged due to conflicts with existing structures and limitations in person-centred dialogue meetings. CONCLUSION: Adapting the CO-WORK-CARE model to Swedish primary care is feasible and beneficial, with collaboration among the care manager, rehabilitation coordinator and GP and person-centred dialogue meetings. Thorough preparations, ongoing facilitator and peer support and integrated information enhanced implementation efficiency, despite challenges posed by existing structures.

Laying the Groundwork: A Pilot Study Exploring Improved Endometriosis Management Strategies in Primary Healthcare.

Objective: To evaluate if a brief educational intervention for primary health care staff regarding endometriosis gives sustainable knowledge of endometriosis symptoms and if a brief questionnaire for women seeking care for common symptoms is feasible in the Swedish primary care context. Design: Pilot study. Setting: 3 primary care centres (PCCs) in Sweden. Exploring knowledge among staff about endometriosis at baseline and 3 months after an information workshop. Evaluation of feasibility of a brief questionnaire for women seeking care for common symptoms For PCC personnel: knowledge about endometriosis at baseline and after 3 months. For patient questionnaire: whether adequate, understandable, acceptable, and feasible. Participants: Females in primary care centre waiting room, and staff members at participating PCCs. Results: The knowledge level of endometriosis was improved or sustained after 3 months compared to baseline among staff at PCCs. Over 90% of the patients stated that the questionnaire was adequate, understandable, acceptable, and feasible. Conclusion: We found that an educational programme improved the staff's knowledge about endometriosis. The programme together with the patient questionnaire could be a way to enhance knowledge about endometriosis among PCCs. This combined effort might facilitate earlier detection and treatment of women with endometriosis.

Association between anxiety and depression and all-cause mortality: a 50-year follow-up of the Population Study of Women in Gothenburg, Sweden.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the association between anxiety disorders and/or major depression disorder (ADs/MDD) and all-cause mortality in a 50-year perspective and to examine specific risk and health factors that may influence such an association. DESIGN: Observational population study, 1968-2019. SETTING: The Population Study of Women in Gothenburg, Sweden (PSWG). PARTICIPANTS: In 1968-1969, 899 (out of 1462) women from PSWG were selected according to date of birth for a psychiatric investigation, including diagnostic evaluation. Eight hundred (89%) were accepted. Twenty-two women were excluded. Of the 778 included, 135 participants (17.4 %) had solely ADs, 32 (4.1%) had solely MDD and 25 (3.2%) had comorbid AD/MDD. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Associations between ADs, MDD, comorbid AD/MDD and all-cause mortality with adjustments for potential confounding factors. Differences between the groups concerning health and risk factors and their association with mortality. RESULTS: In a fully adjusted model, ADs were non-significantly associated with all-cause mortality (HR 1.17, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.41). When examining age during risk time as separate intervals, a significant association between mortality and AD was seen in the group of participants who died at the age of 65-80 years (HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.29). In the younger or older age interval, the association did not reach significance at the 95% level of confidence. Among confounding factors, smoking and physical activity were the strongest contributors. The association between smoking and mortality tended to be further increased in the group with ADs versus the group without such disorders (HR 2.10, 95% CI 1.60 to 2.75 and HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.56 to 2.12, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests potential links between ADs, age and mortality among women with 50 years of follow-up, but does not provide definitive conclusions due to the borderline significance of the results.

Trends in haemoglobin levels from 1968 to 2017 and association with hormonal contraceptives: observations from the population study of women in Gothenburg, Sweden.

AIM: To investigate trends in the haemoglobin (Hb) level in middle-aged Swedish women from 1968 to 2017 and to examine the potential association between Hb and the use of hormonal contraceptives (HCs). DESIGN: A prospective observational population study of representative 38- and 50-year-old women of Gothenburg, Sweden. SETTING: The population study of women in Gothenburg started in 1968-1969 and has continued since then with new examinations every 12 years, including both follow-ups and new recruited cohorts. The study consists of both physical examinations and questionnaires. SUBJECTS: Two thousand four hundred eighty-eight women aged 38 and 50 participated in the study from 1968 to 2017. STATISTICAL METHODS: Linear regression model analyses were used to analyse linear and non-linear trends in the level of Hb. Linear and logistic regression models were used to analyse possible associations between HC and Hb and possible associations between the use of HC and anaemia, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES AND COVARIATES: Hb was measured in g/L. HC included any ongoing use of HC therapy. Covariates were smoking, body mass index (BMI), alcohol consumption and education. RESULTS: A non-linear U-shaped trend in mean Hb was seen in the two age groups, 38- and 50-years old. After adjusting for covariates, a significantly higher mean Hb was seen in the 2016-2017 examination compared to 1980-1981, 1992-1993 and 2004-2005. In 38-year-olds, using HC was associated with a reduced risk of anaemia (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.13-0.75). In both age groups, the use of HC was significantly associated with having a higher Hb. CONCLUSIONS: Mean levels of Hb in middle-aged women of the general population seem to be increasing again after lower levels in the 1980s and 1990s. The use of HC was associated with having a higher Hb and a lower risk of anaemia in 38-year-old women.

Studies of trends in haemoglobin (Hb) in Swedish women are scarce, although many factors associated with Hb levels have changed during the last decades.The use of hormonal contraceptives was associated with higher Hb and decreased risk of anaemia in younger middle-aged women.This study shows there is a non-linear (U-formed) trend in mean Hb, with increasing values since 1992.

Rehabilitation cooperation and person-centred dialogue meeting for patients sick-listed for common mental disorders: 12 months follow-up of sick leave days, symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress and work ability - a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial from the CO-WORK-CARE project.

OBJECTIVES: To study whether early and enhanced cooperation within the primary care centres (PCC) combined with workplace cooperation via a person-centred employer dialogue meeting can reduce days on sick leave compared with usual care manager contact for patients on sick leave because of common mental disorders (CMD). Secondary aim: to study lapse of CMD symptoms, perceived Work Ability Index (WAI) and quality of life (QoL) during 12 months. DESIGN: Pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial, randomisation at PCC level. SETTING: 28 PCCs in Region Västra Götaland, Sweden, with care manager organisation. PARTICIPANTS: 30 PCCs were invited, 28 (93%) accepted invitation (14 intervention, 14 control) and recruited 341 patients newly sick-listed because of CMD (n=185 at intervention, n=156 at control PCCs). INTERVENTION: Complex intervention consisting of (1) early cooperation among general practitioner (GP), care manager and a rehabilitation coordinator, plus (2) a person-centred dialogue meeting between patient and employer within 3 months. CONTROL GROUP: regular contact with care manager. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 12 months net and gross number of sick leave days at group level. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: 12 months depression, anxiety, stress symptoms, perceived WAI and QoL (EuroQoL-5 Dimensional, EQ-5D). RESULTS: No significant differences were found between intervention and control groups concerning days of sick leave (intervention net days of sick leave mean 102.48 (SE 13.76) vs control 96.29 (SE 12.38) p=0.73), return to work (HR 0.881, 95% CI 0.688 to 1.128), or CMD symptoms, WAI or EQ-5D after 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: It is not possible to speed up CMD patients' return to work or to reduce sick leave time by early and enhanced coordination among GP, care manager and a rehabilitation coordinator, combined with early workplace contact over and above what 'usual' care manager contact during 3 months provides. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03250026.

How can care managers strengthen health literacy among patients with common mental disorders? A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: In order for persons with mental illness to be able to promote and preserve their health, sufficient knowledge about health is required. An effective means to improve the health of the patients is to strengthen their health literacy. The aim of this study was to explore how care managers work with health literacy in patients with common mental disorders to help them to better understand and manage their illness. METHOD: A qualitative study was conducted, using written reports from 25 care managers regarding meetings with patients with common mental disorders in the primary care in a Swedish region. The care managers' reports were coded based on Sörensen's four dimensions for the domain "health care" and analysed deductively through systematic text condensation according to Malterud. RESULTS: The care managers described how they worked strategically and continuously with follow-up and wanted to be responsive to the patients' stories. They confirmed the patients' feelings with the goal of creating increased interaction, thereby involving the patients in their own care. The care managers also worked actively to provide well-balanced care at an early stage. Using various tools such as self-assessment instruments, the care manager started from the patient's basic problem, gave support and discussed strategies based on the patient's condition and situation. CONCLUSIONS: The care managers used multifaceted health literacy interventions. They worked in a person-centred, strategic and encouraging manner based on the patient's unique conditions, where sensitivity and adapted information were important aspects. The aim of the interventions was for the patients to become knowledgeable, gain new insights and work independently with their own health.

Effect of group education and person-centered support in primary health care on mental health and quality of life in women aged 45-60 years with symptoms commonly associated with stress: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Mental illness and somatic symptoms are common causes of long-term sick leave for women during menopause, which usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. Many women experience a lack of knowledge about menopause and its associated symptoms. This study evaluates the effect of group education and person-centered individual support in primary health care (PHC) on mental health and quality of life for women in menopause with symptoms that are usually associated with stress. METHODS: The randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) with a two-factor design was conducted in PHC in southwestern Sweden, from 2018 to 2019. A total of 370 women aged 45-60 were allocated in four groups: 1, group education (GE) 2, GE and person-centered individual support (PCS) 3, PCS and 4, control group. GE comprised four weekly sessions and PCS included five sessions with topics related to menopause. The effect of the interventions were followed up at 6 and 12 months. Linear and ordinal regression were used to analyse the effect of the intervention, either group education or person-centred individual support. RESULTS: The main findings: Improved quality of life and physical, psychological, and urogenital symptoms. GE and PCS resulted in improvement of the quality of life at six months. At the 12-month follow-up these results were significantly strengthened for PCS and improved health-related quality of life, and reduced mental, urogenital, and stress-related symptoms with an effect lasting at least 12 months. These results suggest that this intervention could be an effective intervention in PHC for improving women's health in menopause. CONCLUSIONS: PCS can be an effective intervention in PHC for improving women's health in menopause and possibly also prevent the development of exhaustion syndrome. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Universal trial number is U1111-1219-6542 and the registration number in ClinicalTrials.gov is NCT03663075, date of registration 10/09/2018.

Clinical effectiveness of care managers in collaborative primary health care for patients with depression: 12- and 24-month follow-up of a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In previous studies, we investigated the effects of a care manager intervention for patients with depression treated in primary health care. At 6 months, care management improved depressive symptoms, remission, return to work, and adherence to anti-depressive medication more than care as usual. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term effectiveness of care management and usual care for primary care patients with depression on depressive symptoms, remission, quality of life, self-efficacy, confidence in care, and quality of care 12 and 24 months after the start of the intervention. METHODS: Cluster randomized controlled trial that included 23 primary care centers (11 intervention, 12 control) in the regions of Västra Götaland and Dalarna, Sweden. Patients ≥18 years with newly diagnosed mild to moderate depression (n = 376: 192 intervention, 184 control) were included. Patients at intervention centers co-developed a structured depression care plan with a care manager. Via 6 to 8 telephone contacts over 12 weeks, the care manager followed up symptoms and treatment, encouraged behavioral activation, provided education, and communicated with the patient's general practitioner as needed. Patients at control centers received usual care. Adjusted mixed model repeated measure analysis was conducted on data gathered at 12 and 24 months on depressive symptoms and remission (MADRS-S); quality of life (EQ5D); and self-efficacy, confidence in care, and quality of care (study-specific questionnaire). RESULTS: The intervention group had less severe depressive symptoms than the control group at 12 (P = 0.02) but not 24 months (P = 0.83). They reported higher quality of life at 12 (P = 0.01) but not 24 months (P = 0.88). Differences in remission and self-efficacy were not significant, but patients in the intervention group were more confident that they could get information (53% vs 38%; P = 0.02) and professional emotional support (51% vs 40%; P = 0.05) from the primary care center. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with depression who had a care manager maintained their 6-month improvements in symptoms at the 12- and 24-month follow-ups. Without a care manager, recovery could take up to 24 months. Patients with care managers also had significantly more confidence in primary care and belief in future support than controls. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02378272. Submitted 2/2/2015. Posted 4/3/2015.

GPs' experiences of a collaborative care model for patients with common mental disorders who need sick leave certification: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: GPs are an important part of collaboration around patients with common mental disorders (CMD) in primary care. The Co-Work-Care model was implemented to further improve collaboration, and emphasised working more closely with patients through active dialogues among care managers, rehabilitation coordinators, and GPs. This enhanced collaborative model also included a person-centred dialogue meeting with patients' employers. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore GPs' experiences of the Co-Work-Care model, an organisation of collaborative care at the primary care centre (PCC) that includes a person-centred dialogue meeting in the care of patients with CMD who need sick leave certification. DESIGN & SETTING: Qualitative individual and group interviews were conducted with Swedish GPs with experience of the Co-Work-Care trial where the PCC was an intervention PCC with the enhanced collaboration model. METHOD: GPs were sampled purposefully from different Co-Work-Care intervention PCCs in Sweden. Focus group and individual, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted. All interviews were analysed by systematic text condensation (STC), according to Malterud. RESULTS: The following three codes describing the GPs' experiences of working in the Co-Work-Care model were identified: (1) a structured work approach; (2) competency of the care manager and the rehabilitation coordinator; and (3) gaining control through close collaboration. CONCLUSION: Overall, GPs' experience was that the enhanced collaboration reduced their workload and enabled them to focus on medical care. Patient care was perceived as safer and more effective. These advantages may result in higher quality in medical and rehabilitation decisions, as well as a more sustainable and less stressful work situation for GPs.

Experiences of patients with common mental disorders concerning team-based primary care and a person-centered dialogue meeting: An intervention to promote return to work.

OBJECTIVES: Common mental disorders in combination with work-related stress are widespread in the western world, not least in Sweden. Various interactive factors, primarily work-related, have impact on the return to work process, for example; a supportive communicative function between the person on sick leave and the employer may facilitate this process. The aim was to investigate experiences of being part of a collaborative care model including a person-centered dialogue meeting with the employer and with a rehabilitation coordinator as the moderator. METHODS: A qualitative design based on individual interviews with 13 persons diagnosed with common mental disorders who participated in an extensive collaborative care model, called the Co-Work-Care model. Persons were recruited as a heterogeneous sample with respect to age, gender, work background, and time since the intervention. All interviews were analyzed with Systematic Text Condensation. RESULTS: Five codes synthesized the results: 1) A feeling of being taken care of, 2) Collaboration within the team was perceived as supportive, 3) An active and sensitive listener, 4) Structure and planning in the dialogue meeting, 5) The person-centered dialogue meeting was supportive and provided increased understanding. CONCLUSIONS: Participants experienced the close collaborative contact with the care manager and the rehabilitation coordinator as highly valuable for their rehabilitation process. Participants valued a well-structured dialogue meeting that included initial planning and a thorough communication involving the patient, the employer, and coordinator. Further, participants appreciated having an active role during the meeting, also empowering the return to work process.

Symptom patterns in patients newly sick listed for common mental disorders and associations with work-related and socioeconomic factors: a cross-sectional study in Swedish primary care.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to determine symptom patterns of depression, anxiety and stress-related mental disorders in newly sick listed due to common mental disorders in Swedish primary care patients and to examine associations with sick leave diagnosis, also in relation to socioeconomic, work-related and demographic factors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Primary care in western Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: From a randomised controlled trial, patients aged 18-67, seeking primary care and on sick leave due to depression, anxiety and/or mental stress, in total 341 individuals, during 2018-2020. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Patterns of depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms measured via self-assessment questionnaires (Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale-Self (MADRS-S), General Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7), Karolinska Exhaustion Disorder Scale (KEDS)), sick leave diagnosis, perception of Work Ability Index and job strain via the job strain model. RESULTS: A combination of high levels of depressive and stress-related symptoms was more frequent than single symptom clusters among persons with common mental disorders (CMD) on sick leave: 7% of the patients had scores above cut-off for one of the instruments MADRS-S, GAD-7 and KEDS, 12% above cut-off for two and 80% had above cut-off for all three instruments. There was no significant association between low socioeconomic status, high-job strain or working in healthcare/education and having scores above cut-off level for two or more of the instruments. Only perception of own poor work ability showed association with having scores above cut-off level for all three of the assessment instruments of CMD (OR 9.45, 95% CI 2.41 to 37.04). CONCLUSION: The diagnosis on the sick certificate is not always congruent with the dominating symptom score level. In patients sick-leaved for CMDs, possible negative factors such as low socioeconomic status, low social support, high-work strain or working in healthcare/education sector did not show significant associations with self-assessment instruments of anxiety, depression and stress. Only patient's perception of own poor work ability was associated with high scores on all three domains. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03250026.

Outcomes of psychiatric interviews and self-rated symptom scales in people on sick leave for common mental disorders: an observational study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the correspondence between diagnoses on sick leave certificates and diagnoses made in structured psychiatric interviews. Secondary aims were to investigate length of sick leave by diagnoses on sick leave certificates, diagnoses made in structured interviews and symptom severity. DESIGN: Observational study consisting of a secondary analysis of data from a randomised controlled trial and an observational study. SETTING: The regions of Stockholm and Västra Götaland, Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: 480 people on sick leave for common mental disorders. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were examined with structured psychiatric interviews and self-rated symptom severity scales. OUTCOME MEASURES: (1) Sick leave certificate diagnoses, (2) diagnoses from the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the Self-rated Stress-Induced Exhaustion Disorder (SED) Instrument (s-ED), (3) symptom severity (Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale-self-rating version and the Karolinska Exhaustion Disorder Scale) and (4) number of sick leave days. RESULTS: There was little correspondence between diagnoses on sick leave certificates and diagnoses made in structured psychiatric interviews. Many participants on sick leave for SED, anxiety disorder or depression fulfilled criteria for other mental disorders. Most on sick leave for SED (76%) and anxiety disorder (67%) had depression (p=0.041). Length of sick leave did not differ by certificate diagnoses. Participants with SED (s-ED) had longer sick leave than participants without SED (144 vs 84 days; 1.72 (1.37-2.16); p<0.001). More severe symptoms were associated with longer sick leave. CONCLUSION: Diagnoses on sick leave certificates did not reflect the complex and overlapping nature of the diagnoses found in the structured psychiatric interviews. This finding is relevant to the interpretation of information from health data registers, including studies and guidelines based on these data. A result of clinical interest was that more severe symptoms predicted long-term sick leave better than actual diagnoses.

Long-term effect of a care manager on work ability for patients with depression - the PRIM-CARE RCT.

BACKGROUND: Collaborative care with a care manager in primary care improves care. OBJECTIVE: To study whether care manager support leads to improved work ability, decreased job strain and reduced time of sick leave among primary care patients with depression. METHODS: A clinical effectiveness study of care managers for depression patients seeking care in primary care was conducted in a RCT 2014 -2016. Patients in the intervention group were assigned a care manager. In the 12-month follow-up, patients with employment (n = 269; intervention n = 142, control n = 127) were studied concerning work ability, job strain and sick leave. RESULTS: An association was shown between reduction of depressive symptoms and improved work ability for the entire group. At 12-month follow-up a statistically significant difference of reduction of depressive symptoms was seen between the groups (MADRS-S: intervention 10.8 vs control 13.1, p = 0.05) as well as increased quality of life (EQ-5D: intervention 0.77 vs control 0.70, p = 0.04). In the intervention group, a concordance was found between the patient's prediction of return to work and the actual return to work (91%for intervention and 68 %for control group, p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to usual care, the care manager does not seem to further improve perception of work ability, job strain or perception of social support per se among the patients despite a long-term effect on depression symptoms. The lack of a long-term effect regarding these aspects may be due to the fact that care manager support was only provided during the first three months.

Increased use of analgesics in midlife women but no association with mental stress: observations from the Prospective Population Study of Women in Gothenburg.

BACKGROUND: The study is part of the ongoing Prospective Population Study of Women in Gothenburg, Sweden, initiated in 1968-1969 with the aim of characterising a total population of women who were representative of middle-aged females. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of actual analgesic use (prescribed and self-medication) and the possible association with perceived mental stress among women aged 38 and 50 years, respectively, in the Population Study of Women. METHODS: Two different cohorts of population-based samples of 38- and 50-year-old women examined in 2004-2005 and 2016-2017, respectively, were eligible participants. The women were representative for their age cohort at the time of the examinations. Use of medicines and especially analgesics, as well as perceived mental stress, was registered. Changes in medicine use among 38- and 50-year-old women between 2004 and 2005 and 38- and 50-year-old women in 2016-2017 were studied. Data were analysed using logistic regression. Use of analgesics and mental stress were analysed controlling for lifestyle factors, use of other medicines and pain. RESULTS: The overall sample size across the time periods was 1,073 individuals. The frequency of analgesic use in 38- and 50-year-old women was about 26% in 2004-2005 and 58% in 2016-2017. 28% of women who reported high mental stress in 2004-2005 used analgesics, compared to 60% in 2016-2017. There were no associations between self-perceived mental stress and the use of analgesics. CONCLUSION: The higher use of analgesics among midlife women in 2016-2017 is in line with global findings and could be due to increased availability in Sweden of over the counter medicines. The impact of mental stress on analgesic use found previously by other researchers was not confirmed. However, medicine use as a potential coping strategy is an important public health issue that needs to be further explored.

Promoting health literacy and sense of coherence in primary care patients with long-term impaired work ability-a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate feasibility, partnerships, and study design of intervention to minimise sick leave. DESIGN AND SETTING: The design was a pilot single arm intervention study in primary health care. Outcome measures at follow-ups for each participant were compared with baseline data for the same person. SUBJECTS: Twenty primary health care patients with recurrent or long-term sick leave or health-related unemployment. INTERVENTION: Patient education through interactive study groups that met half a day a week for eight subsequent weeks. Groups were led by experienced but not medically trained facilitators. The intervention was designed to improve participant health literacy, sense of coherence, health-related quality of life, and patient involvement in healthcare. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was the level of sick leave. Sick leave data were obtained from medical records when available, otherwise patient reported. Secondary outcomes regarding health literacy, sense of coherence, and health-related quality of life were measured with validated questionnaires at baseline and follow-ups. RESULTS: Level of sick leave decreased significantly and participation in work preparatory activities increased during follow-up. Health literacy, sense of coherence (subscale sense of meaningfulness), and health-related quality of life (subscale social functioning) showed statistically significant improvement. Intervention, partnerships, and study design were feasible. CONCLUSION: An educational programme, conducted in cooperation between primary health care and partners outside the healthcare system, was feasible and showed an impact on sick leave, health literacy, sense of coherence, and health-related quality of life.KEY FINDINGSA pilot study to evaluate an educational programme with study groups conducted in cooperation between primary health care and partners outside the healthcare system showed good feasibility.Sick leave decreased significantly six months after baseline.Health literacy, sense of coherence (subscale sense of meaningfulness), and health-related quality of life (subscale social function) improved significantly 6 months after baseline.

How can a care manager at the primary care centre support foreign-born female patients suffering from common mental disorders? - An interview study.

BACKGROUND: Difficulty in communicating can lead to stressful situations both for foreign-born female patients suffering from common mental disorders (CMDs) and for the health care professionals. AIM: The aim of the study was to explore how foreign-born female patients with CMDs experienced their health care encounters and how they perceived a care manager could be a support during their illness, as well as to explore the care managers' perceptions and experiences concerning this group. METHODS: A qualitative method with semi-structured interview was chosen. The data were analysed with systematic text condensation. The study was conducted in primary care in western Sweden. Eight Persian-speaking female patients were recruited by the snowball method and participated in the study. Furthermore, nine care managers participated. RESULTS: Foreign-born female patients felt shame and anxiety because of language difficulties, interpreter presence, mental illness, and feelings of dependency. The care managers and the patients felt that physical meetings, access to translated assessment scales and female telephone interpreters, and early and continuous contact and access to health care personnel with a similar cultural background could facilitate communication. CONCLUSION: In order to facilitate mutual understanding and knowledge, accessibility and continuity of health care are needed to enable foreign-born female patients with CMD to support their own health development. Female interpreters, telephone interpreting, translated scales, and telephone contacts combined with face-to-face visits could facilitate communication.

Effects of patient-driven iCBT for anxiety in routine primary care and the relation between increased experience of empowerment and outcome: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization has declared that primary care should be organized to empower individuals, families, and communities to optimize health. Internet cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) tailored by psychologists' initial assessments to meet patients' specific needs have shown promising effects. However, few studies have evaluated patient involvement in decisions during iCBT. AIM: This study aimed to explore the effect of patient-driven iCBT compared to standard iCBT on perceived control over treatment, adherence, and level of anxiety symptoms. A secondary aim was to assess the relationship between changes in empowerment and changes in anxiety symptoms. METHOD: Participants were patients recruited form primary care and assessed as meeting the criterion for an anxiety disorder. Participants were randomized to patient-driven iCBT (n = 27) or standard iCBT (n = 28). Patient-driven iCBT was adapted to participants' preferences regarding for example focus of treatment program and order of modules. Participants randomized to the control condition received the standard iCBT program for anxiety disorders at the participating unit. The outcome measures were patients' perceived control over treatment, adherence to treatment, symptoms of anxiety, depression and general disability as well as the experience of empowerment. RESULTS: Participants in patient-driven iCBT had statistically higher perceived control over treatment (t(43) = 2.13, p = .04). Symptoms were significantly reduced in both arms with regards to anxiety, depression, and general disability. A significant time per condition interaction effect for anxiety symptoms was observed (df = 45.0; F = 3.055; p = .038), where the patient-driven condition had a significantly larger reduction in anxiety. For both groups a significant correlation of r = -0.47 was found between changes in empowerment and changes in anxiety. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that iCBT that is patient-driven, may have a greater effect on anxiety, than standard iCBT. The effect on perceived control over treatment might also be larger in patient-driven treatments than in standard iCBT. Internet-based therapies inherently promote as active agents of their own care and might be well suited for promoting perceived control and empowerment. Findings need to be replicated given the small sample size and the explorative nature of the study. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT04688567.