Vol. 1, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Chronic pain remains a significant occupational health concern that affects employee well-being, productivity, and long-term work participation. This study evaluates the effectiveness of behavioral rehabilitation approaches in improving treatment adherence and clinical outcomes among employees with chronic pain, comparing a structured multimodal behavioral intervention with conventional care. A quasi-experimental design was adopted, enrolling 120 participants who were allocated into behavioral rehabilitation and conventional care groups using stratified procedures. The behavioral intervention integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy, graded activity, operant conditioning strategies, and motivational interviewing, while the control group received standard pharmacological management and routine physiotherapy. Outcomes measured at baseline and after eight weeks included treatment adherence, pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, fear-avoidance beliefs, and self-efficacy levels. Additional workplace-related variables such as supervisor support and job flexibility were assessed as potential moderators of adherence. Results indicated significantly higher adherence in the behavioral rehabilitation group compared with the conventional care group, accompanied by larger reductions in pain intensity and maladaptive cognitions as well as greater improvements in self-efficacy. Weekly adherence patterns demonstrated sustained engagement in the behavioral group, whereas the conventional care group showed a progressive decline. Regression analyses confirmed that adherence was a significant predictor of clinical improvement, and supportive workplace environments enhanced engagement and recovery. At three-month follow-up, employees receiving behavioral rehabilitation exhibited higher return-to-work rates, suggesting that integrating psychological and behavioral components within occupational health frameworks can produce durable functional gains. Overall, the findings highlight the need for comprehensive, behaviorally oriented pain management strategies that address both individual and contextual determinants of adherence. The study contributes to the growing evidence supporting the inclusion of behavioral rehabilitation within workplace health systems, offering a promising pathway for improving treatment continuity, reducing disability, and promoting long-term employee well-being.