RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between absenteeism rates and psychological intervention over a 6-month period in an agency with 334 employees in Klang Valley, Malaysia, which had the highest absenteeism rates. METHODS: The absenteeism rates were measured every 6 months between January 1991 and December 1992. All employees were interviewed and those who scored one positive item on the diagnosis interviewed schedule (DIS) screening, were given counselling, referrals to appropriate agencies and treatment by 2 psychiatrists. RESULTS: Between July and December 1992, the frequency of absenteeism decreased, but the severity rate of absenteeism and the mean length (of a spell and lost time percentage) were higher compared to those in the preceding 6 months. We found that the percentage of absenteeism rate of less than 7 days was significantly reduced between July and December 1992, as compared to July and December 1991. CONCLUSION: Psychological interventions were likely to have contributed to the decreased absenteeism rates of less than 7 days but not for longer periods of absenteeism, which can be attributed to more serious illness or injuries.