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Influences of Labour Participation Among Persons With Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Best Evidence Synthesis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 October 2012

Henry G. Harder*
Affiliation:
University of Northern British Columbia, Canada
Joshua A. Rash
Affiliation:
University of Northern British Columbia, Canada
Sara Nelson
Affiliation:
University of Northern British Columbia, Canada
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Henry G. Harder, Chair, Health Science Programs, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, CanadaV2N 4Z9. E-mail: harderh@unbc.ca

Abstract

A systematic literature review was conducted to assess the individual, organisation, societal, and legal influences of labour participation among individuals with a disability. Methods: Nine databases were searched, for peer-reviewed studies of individual, organisation, societal, and legal influences among disabled populations published between 1990 and 2010.

Results: Of a total of 809 papers initially selected, only 46 studies were deemed to be of sufficient quality to be included in the review. Conclusions: Numerous studies have examined labour participation among persons with physical disabilities, some among persons with chronic disabilities, and few among persons with mental disabilities. Strong evidence was found for individual and organisation influences of labour participation among persons with physical disabilities in particular pain, catastrophising, job strain, and support. Only individual influences provided strong evidence among persons with chronic disabilities and no influences provided strong evidence among those with mental disabilities. The results are presented along with methodological weaknesses and future recommendations.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2012

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