Burn injuries in primary care in the Netherlands: Risk factors and trends.

BACKGROUND: Research to date has mainly focused on burn injuries treated in secondary care. This study aims to provide knowledge on the epidemiology of burn injuries in primary care, to give directions for burn prevention. METHODS: Data were derived from routine electronic health records of general practices and their out-of-hours service organisations in the Netherlands that participated in the Nivel Primary Care Database 2010-2015. We studied risk factors and trends. RESULTS: The average burn injury prevalence rate was 4.40 (95% CI 4.27-4.53) per 1000 person-years in daytime general practice care and 1.47 (95% CI 1.46-1.49) per 1000 inhabitants in out-of-hours care. Children of 0-4 years old, especially boys, and young adult women had a higher risk. Burn injury risk was higher during the summer months and around New Year's Eve. Living in low socioeconomic and strongly urbanised neighbourhoods was associated with a higher risk of burn injury than living in other neighbourhoods. CONCLUSION: Dutch general practitioners have a large share in burn care and therefore can play a significant role in burn prevention. Prevention may be most effective in the summer and around New Year's Eve, and specific attention seems to be warranted for low socioeconomic groups and strongly urbanised neighbourhoods.

Employment status transitions in employees with and without chronic disease in the Netherlands.

OBJECTIVES: Objectives were to: (1) longitudinally assess transitions in employment status of employees with and without chronic disease; and (2) assess predictors of exit from paid employment. METHODS: Transitions in employment status at 1- and 2-year follow-up were assessed in a longitudinal cohort study of employees aged 15-63 years. Generalised estimating equations (GEE) and logistic regression analyses were performed to analyse differences in transitions and identify sociodemographic, health- and work-related predictors. RESULTS: At 1- and 2-year follow-up, 10,038 employees (37% with chronic disease) and 7636 employees responded. Employees with chronic disease had higher probability of leaving paid employment [OR 1.4 (1.1-1.6)] and unemployment, disability pension and early retirement. Employees without chronic disease had higher chance of moving into self-employment or study. At 2-year follow-up, employees with cardiovascular disease (15%), chronic mental disease (11%), diabetes (10%) and musculoskeletal disease (10%), had left paid employment most often. Higher age, poor health, burnout, low co-worker support and chronic disease limitations were predictors for leaving paid employment. CONCLUSIONS: Employees with chronic disease leave paid work more often for unfavourable work outcomes.

Work Characteristics and Return to Work in Long-Term Sick-Listed Employees with Depressive Symptoms.

Purpose The present study investigated the relations between work characteristics, depressive symptoms and duration until full return to work (RTW) among long-term sick-listed employees. This knowledge may add to the development of effective interventions and prevention, especially since work characteristics can be subjected to interventions more easily than many disorder-related or personal factors. Methods this prospective cohort study with a two-year follow-up employs a sample of 883 Dutch employees who had been sick-listed for at least 13 weeks at baseline, who filled out three questionnaires: at 19 weeks, 1 and 2 years after the start of sick leave. The dependent measure was duration until full RTW. Results not working (partially) at baseline, low decision authority, high psychological demands, low supervisor support and low RTW self-efficacy were related to more depressive symptoms. The duration until full RTW was longer for employees with depressive symptoms. Low physical exertion, high RTW self-efficacy, working partially at baseline, being married or cohabiting, and young age were related to less time until full RTW. Other work characteristics appeared no independent predictors of RTW. Conclusions although the role of job demands and job resources in the RTW process is limited for long-term sick-listed employees with depressive symptoms, a few work characteristics are prognostic factors of full RTW. Focus on these elements in the selection or development of interventions may be helpful in preventing sickness absence, and in supporting long-term sick-listed employees towards full RTW.

Interventions to reduce sedentary behavior and increase physical activity during productive work: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This review addresses the effectiveness of workplace interventions that are implemented during productive work and are intended to change workers` SB and/or PA. METHODS: We searched Scopus for articles published from 1992 until 12 March 2015. Relevant studies were evaluated using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies and summarized in a best-evidence synthesis. Primary outcomes were SB and PA, both at work and overall (ie, during the whole day); work performance and health-related parameters were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The review included 40 studies describing 41 interventions organized into three categories: alternative workstations (20), interventions promoting stair use (11), and personalized behavioral interventions (10). Alternative workstations were found to decrease overall SB (strong evidence; even for treadmills separately); interventions promoting stair use were found to increase PA at work while personalized behavioral interventions increased overall PA (both with moderate evidence). There was moderate evidence to show alternative workstations influenced neither hemodynamics nor cardiorespiratory fitness and personalized behavioral interventions did not influence anthropometric measures. Evidence was either insufficient or conflicting for intervention effects on work performance and lipid and metabolic profiles. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence suggests that some of the reviewed workplace interventions that are compatible with productive work indeed have positive effects on SB or PA at work. In addition, some of the interventions were found to influence overall SB or PA positively. Putative long-term effects remain to be established.

An economic evaluation alongside a randomized controlled trial evaluating an individually tailored lifestyle intervention compared with usual care in people with familial hypercholesterolemia.

BACKGROUND: Cost-effectiveness analyses provide insight in the use of lifestyle interventions. To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention compared to usual care in people with Familial Hypercholesterolemia, 340 people with FH were randomized to the intervention or control group. LDL cholesterol, quality of life and costs were measured at 0 and 12 months. Cost-effectiveness analyses were performed from a healthcare perspective using bootstrapping techniques. RESULTS: Non-significant decreases in LDL cholesterol and quality of life were found. The mean between-group difference in costs was €-237 (95% CI -1,386 to 130). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were 1,729 per 1 mmol/l LDL cholesterol and 145,899 per QALY gained. Assumed that the small non-significant decrease in LDL cholesterol is attributed to the intervention, the probability of cost-effectiveness of the intervention compared to usual care was 91% per 1 mmol/l LDL cholesterol reduction and 75% per QALY gained at a ceiling ratio of €20,000. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention is not cost-effective. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NTR1899, date 07-07-2009.

Relationship of night and shift work with weight change and lifestyle behaviors.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively study the association of night and shift work with weight change and lifestyle behaviors. METHODS: Workers participating in the Netherlands Working Conditions Cohort Study (2008 and 2009) (N = 5951) reported night and shift work, weight and height. Groups included stable night or shift work, from day work to night or shift work, from night or shift work to day work, and no night or shift work in 2008 and 2009. Regression analyses were used to study association changes in night and shift work with weight change and changes in lifestyle behaviors. RESULTS: A larger weight change was seen in normal-weight workers changing from day to shift work (ß = 0.93%; 95% confidence interval, 0.01 to 1.85) compared with stable no shift workers. No further associations of night and shift work with weight change were observed, neither in normal-weight, overweight, and obese workers. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the fact that starting night or shift work is associated with some unhealthy lifestyle habits, this study did not confirm a positive association of night and shift work with weight change over 1 year, except for normal-weight workers moving from day to shift work.

Number and appraisal of daily hassles and life events in young adulthood: the association with physical activity and screen time: a longitudinal cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Young adults face radical life changes regarding residence, marriage, family and work that may negatively impact their health behaviours. Therefore, we investigated the associations of the number of daily hassles and life events and their subjective appraisal with physical activity and screen time in young adulthood. METHODS: Data came from participants of the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study (AGAHLS). Self-reported physical activity (min/wk) was used from wave 6 (1991; mean age 27), wave 7 (1993; mean age 29), wave 8 (1996/1997; mean age 32) and 9 (2000; mean age 36). Self-reported screen time (h/wk) was assessed in waves 8 and 9. The number and the appraisal of daily hassles and major life events were assessed with the Everyday Problem Checklist and Life Events List, respectively (including five life event domains, i.e.: health, work, home/family, personal/social relations, and finances). The final sample included 474 participants for the physical activity analyses and 475 participants for the screen time analyses. To test the longitudinal associations of daily hassles and life events with physical activity and screen time, univariable and multivariable Generalised Estimating Equations were performed. Effect modification by gender was tested. RESULTS: Physical activity levels were higher in those who had experienced more daily hassles. People who reported higher subjective appraisal in the work and finances life event domains also had higher levels of physical activity, although only the subjective appraisal in the finances domain remained significant in the multivariable model. No significant associations between number and subjective appraisal of daily hassles and life events and screen time were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of specific life events may be more influential for people's physical activity behaviour than their respective sum or emotional tone. Still, the assessment of daily hassles may be a relevant addition in this research field. Finally, we suggest that daily hassles and life events are less important for explaining screen time behaviour than for physical activity.

The Association between IGF-1 Polymorphisms, IGF-1 Serum Levels, and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: The Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study.

Several studies have demonstrated an association between polymorphisms in the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) gene and IGF-1 serum levels. IGF-1 levels have been associated with cognitive functioning in older persons and growth hormone deficient patients. The present study investigates whether IGF-1 polymorphisms, IGF-1 levels, and cognition are interconnected in healthy adults. Data of 277 participants (mean age: 42.4 years) of the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study on IGF-1 promoter polymorphisms, IGF-1 serum level, spatial working memory (SWM), paired associate learning (PAL), and IQ tests were analyzed. (M)ANOVAs were applied to confirm the associations between IGF-1 polymorphisms and IGF-1 levels and between IGF-1 levels and cognition. Three groups were distinguished based on specific IGF-1 polymorphism alleles: a homozygote 192 bp/192 bp genotype, a heterozygote 192 bp/x genotype, and a noncarrier x/x genotype. Although different IGF-1 levels were found for the three genotypes, performance on all cognitive tasks and IQ measures was similar. Despite the associations between IGF-1 polymorphisms and IGF-1 levels, no association was found between cognition and IGF-1 levels. It seems that IGF-1 does not play a role in the cognitive performance of healthy middle-aged adults. Possible, IGF-1 fulfills a more developmental and protective role in cognition which becomes apparent during childhood, old-age, or disease.

Night work and breast cancer risk in a general population prospective cohort study in The Netherlands.

Experimental studies in animals indicate that disruption of the circadian rhythm is carcinogenic, and night work has been suggested to be a probable breast cancer cause in humans. Findings among humans, however are inconsistent, often gathered with retrospective study designs, and only based on specific populations, such as nurses. We used data on night work collected in the Dutch Labor Force Surveys of 1996 until 2009, and individually linked these with National registers on hospital admission. Among 285,723 women without breast cancer at baseline, 2,531 had a hospital admission for breast cancer during an average of 7 years of follow up in the registers. Occasional and regular night work were not associated with the risk of hospital admission for breast cancer (adjusted hazard ratios 1.04; 95 % confidence interval 0.85-1.27, and 0.87; 0.72-1.05, respectively). Working more hours per week, or more years in a job entailing night work did not show increased breast cancer risks. Hazard ratios neither differed between nurses and women with other occupations. Our results show no association of night work with incident breast cancer, and suggest that night work generally does not increase the risk of breast cancer among women in the Dutch working population.

Development and validation of a physical and psychosocial job-exposure matrix in older and retired workers.

OBJECTIVES: A general population job-exposure matrix (GPJEM) including physical and psychosocial demands as well as psychosocial resources applicable to older and retired workers was developed. Its validity was evaluated by examining associations of physical demands and iso-strain (combination of high psychosocial demands and low resources) with health. METHODS: Physical and psychosocial work exposures reported by 55-64 year olds were derived from the Netherlands Working Conditions Survey and linked to the Netherlands Standard Classification of Occupations 1992. A GPJEM with low, moderate, and high probability of exposure to demands and resources was developed. To examine associations with health, two groups of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam were selected: current (i.e. at the time of the interview, 55-64 years) and former workers (55-84 years). Linear and logistic regression models were applied. RESULTS: Use of force and work in uncomfortable positions were significantly associated with functional limitations and self-perceived health (SPH), but not hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA), in current and former workers. A moderate probability of repetitive movements was associated with functional limitations in former workers. A high probability of repetitive movements was associated with functional limitations in current and former workers as well as with SPH and hip and knee OA in former workers. Respondents formerly exposed to iso-strain had significantly higher diastolic blood pressure and more often hypertension. No such associations were found in current workers. No association was found with cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that our GPJEM accurately classifies jobs according to physical demands and, although less clearly, iso-strain.

Longitudinal person-related determinants of physical activity in young adults.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the longitudinal associations of person-related factors with physical activity (PA) behavior in young adults. METHODS: We analyzed longitudinal self-reported time spent in moderate-intensity PA (MPA; 4-7 METs) and vigorous-intensity PA (VPA; >7 METs) from 499 young adults (49% male) who participated in the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study at the age of 21, 27, 32, and 36 yr. Sociodemographic factors (i.e., marital and employment status), physical factors (i.e., skinfolds, aerobic fitness, neuromotor fitness, back problems, and general health status), psychological factors (i.e., problem and emotion focused coping, mild health complaints, and personality), and behavioral factors (i.e., alcohol consumption, smoking, and energy intake) were assessed at each time point. We performed sex-specific univariable and multivariable generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: Men and women with higher aerobic fitness were more moderately and vigorously active. Not having paid work was associated with more MPA in both men and women. Men with part-time paid work, lower scores on dominance, higher scores on hostility, and above moderate alcohol consumption (i.e., ≥140 g of alcohol per week) were more moderately active. Divorced women and those with better physical flexibility spent more time in MPA. Men having full-time paid work, with a good general health status and nonsmokers, were more vigorously active. Women being married/living together, who had better physical flexibility, lower scores on inadequacy, higher scores on dominance, and low caloric intake (around 2000 kcal·d) were more vigorously active. CONCLUSION: Several sociodemographic, physical, psychological, and behavioral factors were associated with PA in Dutch young adults. Determinants were different for MPA and VPA and for men and women.

The association between body mass index status and sick leave and the role of emotional exhaustion-a mediation analysis among a representative sample of dutch employees.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the associations between body mass index (BMI) and sick leave, and the mediating role of emotional exhaustion. METHODS: Data were collected from a large survey among Dutch employees (n = 35,022). The causal pathway approach consisting of four regression analyses was applied. RESULTS: In women, moderate overweight and obesity were associated with higher sick leave; in men, obesity, but not moderate overweight, was associated with higher sick leave. Obese workers were at increased risk for emotional exhaustion. Emotional exhaustion was also associated with higher sick leave rates. Adjustment for emotional exhaustion in the association between BMI and sick leave hardly changed the effect size and significance remained. CONCLUSIONS: The association between BMI status and sick leave can be explained partially by the presence of emotional exhaustion. Workplace health promotion initiatives should take this into account.

The relation between body mass index and musculoskeletal symptoms in the working population.

BACKGROUND: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between BMI and musculoskeletal symptoms in interaction with physical workload. In addition, it was aimed to obtain insight into whether overweight and obesity are associated with an increase in occurrence of symptoms and/or decrease in recovery from symptoms. METHODS: Based on a large working population sample (n = 44,793), using the data from The Netherlands Working Conditions Survey (NWCS), logistic regression analyses were carried out to investigate the association between BMI and musculoskeletal symptoms, with adjustment for potential confounders. Longitudinal data from the Netherlands Working Conditions Cohort Study (NWCCS) of 7,909 respondents was used for the second research aim (i.e., to investigate the transition in musculoskeletal symptoms). RESULTS: For high BMI an increased 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was found (overweight: OR 1.13, 95% CI: 1.08-1.19 and obesity: OR 1.28, 95% CI: 1.19-1.39). The association was modified by physical workload, with a stronger association for employees with low physical workload than for those with high physical workload. Obesity was related to developing musculoskeletal symptoms (OR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.05-1.79) and inversely related to recovery from symptoms (OR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.59-0.97). CONCLUSION: BMI was associated with musculoskeletal symptoms, in particular symptoms of the lower extremity. Furthermore, the association differed for employees with high or low physical workload. Compared to employees with normal weight, obese employees had higher risk for developing symptoms as well as less recovery from symptoms. This study supports the role of biomechanical factors for the relationship between BMI and symptoms in the lower extremity.

Work adjustments in a representative sample of employees with a chronic disease in the Netherlands.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study are: (1) to describe the prevalence of needed and implemented work adjustments in a representative sample of Dutch employees with a chronic disease; and (2) to assess the effects of needed and implemented work adjustments on sick leave. METHODS: The prevalence of work adjustments was assessed in employees with a chronic disease, aged between 15 and 65 years (n = 7,687) from the 2007 Netherlands Working Conditions Survey (NWCS). Of these, N = 2,631 employees participated in the Netherlands Working Conditions Cohort Study (NWCCS) measurements in 2008 and 2009. The NWCCS data were used to investigate the effects of work adjustments on sick leave. All data were self-reported. A repeated measures ANOVA was performed to analyse differences in sick leave in 2007, 2008 and 2009 between employees with and without a need for work adjustments, for those who reported an implemented work adjustment and those who did not. RESULTS: In 2007, the prevalence of implemented work adjustments among Dutch employees with a chronic disease was 22 %, while 30 % reported the need of a work adjustment. In employees with and without a need for work adjustments in 2007, a work adjustment in 2008 was significantly associated with a decrease in sick leave from 2007 to 2009. CONCLUSION: The need for work adjustments is higher than the implementation of work adjustments. Work adjustments should be considered more often for employees with chronic diseases, because implementation of a work adjustment is associated with a decrease in sick leave.

Is the process of delivery of an individually tailored lifestyle intervention associated with improvements in LDL cholesterol and multiple lifestyle behaviours in people with familial hypercholesterolemia?

BACKGROUND: More insight in the association between reach, dose and fidelity of intervention components and effects is needed. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate reach, dose and fidelity of an individually tailored lifestyle intervention in people with Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) and the association between intervention dose and changes in LDL-Cholesterol (LDL-C), and multiple lifestyle behaviours at 12-months follow-up. METHODS: Participants (n = 181) randomly allocated to the intervention group received the PRO-FIT intervention consisting of computer-tailored lifestyle advice (PRO-FIT*advice) and counselling (face-to-face and telephone booster calls) using Motivational Interviewing (MI). According to a process evaluation plan, intervention reach, dose delivered and received, and MI fidelity were assessed using the recruitment database, website/counselling logs and the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI 3.1.1.) code. Regression analyses were conducted to explore differences between participant and non-participant characteristics, and the association between intervention dose and change in LDL-C, and multiple lifestyle behaviours. RESULTS: A 34% (n = 181) representative proportion of the intended intervention group was reached during the recruitment phase; participants did not differ from non-participants (n = 623) on age, gender and LDL-C levels. Of the participants, 95% received a PRO-FIT*advice log on account, of which 49% actually logged on and completed at least one advice module. Nearly all participants received a face-to-face counselling session and on average, 4.2 telephone booster calls were delivered. None of the face-to-face sessions were implemented according to MI guidelines. Overall, weak non-significant positive associations were found between intervention dose and LDL-C and lifestyle behaviours. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the PRO-FIT intervention in practice appears feasible, particularly PRO-FIT*advice, since it can be relative easily implemented with a high dose delivered. However, only less than half of the intervention group received the complete intervention-package as intended. Strategies to let participants optimally engage in using web-based computer-tailored interventions like PRO-FIT*advice are needed. Further, more emphasis should be put on more extensive MI training and monitoring/supervision.

Predictors of the willingness and the ability to continue working until the age of 65 years.

OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of the willingness and ability of older workers to continue working until the age of 65. METHODS: In this longitudinal study, 4937 employees aged 45 to 63 years included in the Netherlands Working Conditions Cohort Study were studied. Logistic regression analyses were applied. RESULTS: Employees who experienced emotional exhaustion and bullying or harassment by colleagues/supervisor were less often willing to continue working, whereas employees sometimes using force were more often willing to continue working. Emotional exhaustion, a work handicap, higher physical and emotional demands, lower supervisor's support, and intermediate satisfaction with salary predicted a lower likelihood to be able to continue working. CONCLUSION: Prevention of emotional exhaustion and promotion of a healthy social work climate may support both the willingness and ability to work until the age of 65 years.

Lumbar bone mass predicts low back pain in males.

STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal study of lumbar bone mass as predictor of low back pain (LBP). OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether low bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) values at the age of 36 years are associated with the prevalence of LBP at the age of 42 years among the study population of the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Results of epidemiological, clinical, and in vitro studies indicate that spinal injuries, caused by mechanical loading, might be a cause of LBP. BMC and BMD are determinants of spinal strength. We therefore hypothesized that BMC and BMD are associated with LBP. METHODS: At the age of 36 years, the lumbar BMC and BMD were determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in 140 men and 152 women. At the age of 42 years, the participants were asked whether they had experienced LBP in the previous 12 months. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine odds ratios (ORs)-adjusted for stature, body weight, physical activity, and smoking-for the relationship of BMC and BMD with LBP. RESULTS: BMC and BMD at the age of 36 years were significantly associated with the reported 12-month prevalence of LBP at the age of 42 years. This association, however, was observed only for men and not for women. Men within the quartile with the lowest BMC or BMD values had higher odds for LBP with ORs of 4.78 (95% confidence interval, 1.52-15.00) and 3.48 (95% confidence interval, 1.23-9.85), respectively. CONCLUSION: For a male population that is not characterized by osteoporosis or old age, lower lumbar BMC and BMD values at the age of 36 years are associated with an increased risk of reporting to have had LBP in the previous 12 months at the age of 42 years.

Differences in predictors of return to work among long-term sick-listed employees with different self-reported reasons for sick leave.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to gain insight in the predictors of full return to work (RTW) among employees on long-term sick leave due to three different self-reported reasons for sick leave: physical, mental or co-morbid physical and mental problems. This knowledge can be used to develop diagnosis-specific interventions that promote earlier RTW. METHODS: This prospective cohort study with a two-year follow-up employs a sample of 682 Dutch employees, sick-listed for 19 weeks (SD = 1.68), who filled out two questionnaires: at 19 weeks and 2 years after the start of sick leave. The dependent measure was duration until full RTW, the independent measures were cause of sick leave, health characteristics, individual characteristics and work characteristics. RESULTS: Reporting both physical and mental problems as reasons for sick leave was associated with a longer duration until full RTW. Nonparametric Cox survival analysis showed that partial RTW at baseline and lower age were strong predictors of earlier RTW in all three groups, and that RTW self-efficacy predicted earlier RTW in two groups. Other predictors of full RTW varied among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Tailoring for different reasons for sick leave might improve the effects of new interventions because the predictors of full RTW differ among groups. Enhancement of partial RTW and RTW self-efficacy may be relevant components of any intervention, as these were predictors of full RTW in at least two groups.

Enterprise restructuring and the health of employees: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the influence of enterprise restructuring on general health and emotional exhaustion, and to investigate which factors explain the relation between restructuring and these outcomes. METHODS: Longitudinal data of the Netherlands Working Conditions Cohort Study were used. At baseline and after 12 months, 9076 employees filled out a questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was applied. RESULTS: Prolonged exposure to restructuring increased the likelihood of poor general health, and its influence was partly explained by job insecurity. Emotional exhaustion was more likely among employees that experienced prolonged exposure to restructuring or restructuring during the past year. Job insecurity explained the influence of prolonged restructuring, together with job demands and supervisor's support. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged exposure to restructuring adversely affects general health and emotional exhaustion in employees, and its influence seems to be explained by job insecurity.

Factors associated with the ability and willingness to continue working until the age of 65 in construction workers.

OBJECTIVES: The working population is aging and a shortage of workers is expected in the construction industry. As a consequence, it is considered necessary that construction workers extend their working life. The purpose of this study was to explore factors associated with construction workers' ability and willingness to continue working until the age of 65. METHODS: In total, 5,610 construction workers that participated in the Netherlands Working Conditions Survey filled out questionnaires on demographics, work-related and health-related factors, and on the ability and willingness to continue working until the age of 65. Logistic regression analyses were applied. RESULTS: Older workers were more often able, but less willing, to continue working until the age of 65. Frequently using force, lower supervisor support, lower skill discretion, and the occurrence of musculoskeletal complaints were associated with both a lower ability and willingness to continue working. In addition, dangerous work, occasionally using force, working in awkward postures, lack of job autonomy, and reporting emotional exhaustion were associated with a lower ability to continue working, whereas working overtime was associated with a higher ability. Furthermore, low social support from colleagues was associated with a higher willingness. CONCLUSION: In addition to physical job demands, psychosocial job characteristics play a significant role in both the ability and willingness to continue working until the age of 65 in construction workers. Moreover, preventing musculoskeletal complaints may support the ability and willingness to continue working, whereas preventing emotional exhaustion is relevant for the ability to continue working.