Resilience and return to work among individuals with chronic illness: a mixed-methods study protocol

Khairizal, Amirul Ashraf and Kamsan, Siti Salwana and Che Hasan, Muhammad Kamil and Nik Ahmad, Nik Nur Fatnoon and Munajat, Munayati and Pin, Tan Maw (2026) Resilience and return to work among individuals with chronic illness: a mixed-methods study protocol. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 22 (1). pp. 1-7. ISSN 1675-8544 E-ISSN 2636-9346

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Abstract

Introduction: Chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cancer are long-term medical conditions necessitating continuous medical management. The impacts of chronic illnesses on the workforce are detrimental particularly in manual labour jobs. High sick leave, productivity loss, and early retirement are among the most common repercussions of chronic illnesses that affect job retention. To remain in the workforce, individuals need to be resilient in navigating health challenges. Hence, the associated factors influencing resilience must be thoroughly examined. Methods: This study will employ a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative studies in two phases. Phase I will involve a cross-sectional study of 400 individuals with chronic illnesses. Several sets of validated questionnaires will be used to examine the level of resilience and the associated factors. The data will be analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). In Phase II, focus group discussions involving 40 individuals with chronic illnesses will be employed to elucidate the extent to which the illnesses influence resilience and to explore any additional factors contributing to resilience to return to work. Open-ended questions will be used to collect the qualitative data. The data will then be analysed using a thematic approach. Discussion: With the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses, factors that contribute to resilience should be identified in order to inform future strategies or to promote initiatives to support individuals with chronic illnesses in returning to the workforce

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Chronic illness, Chronic disease, Resilience, Return to work, Workforce
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences Kulliyyah of Nursing Kulliyyah of Medicine
Depositing User:	Dr Siti Salwana Kamsan
Date Deposited:	02 Mar 2026 15:29
Last Modified:	02 Mar 2026 15:29
Queue Number:	2026-02-Q2377
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/127703

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