The Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination Side-Effects on Work Attendance among Saudi Healthcare Workers.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional-survey-based study aimed to investigate the severity of side-effects from Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) mRNA (Pfizer, Moderna), viral vector DNA (Oxford-AstraZeneca, J&J/Janssen), inactivated virus (Sinopharm, Sinovac), and other vaccines among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Saudi Arabia, focusing on their impact on work attendance. METHODS: A total of 894 HCWs residing in Saudi Arabia participated in this study from March 2023 to May 2023. Participants completed an online questionnaire assessing demographic information, vaccination status, comorbidities, vaccine side-effects, and missed work information after vaccination. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The majority of participants were female (83.7%) and aged 25-34 years (42.8%). Most participants were predominantly vaccinated with mRNA vaccines. Common side-effects included pain at the injection site, fatigue, fever, and chills. However, no significant association was found between vaccine type, side-effects, and work absenteeism. While demographic factors such as age and healthcare profession did not influence work absenteeism, variations were observed among different racial groups. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 vaccination among HCWs in Saudi Arabia is associated with common side-effects, but their impact on work attendance is not significant. Understanding these implications can inform strategies to support the healthcare workforce and mitigate the impact on patient care and staffing during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Danish short form Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire: Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and evaluation of measurement properties.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability and an increasing sick leave in Denmark. Psychosocial risk factors have been linked to the development of LBP-related disability and work-absenteeism. The short form Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire (ÖMPSQ-sf) was developed to screen for psychosocial risk factors and assess the risk of long-term disability and work-absenteeism. OBJECTIVE: To translate and cross-culturally adapt ÖMPSQ-sf into Danish and evaluate test-retest reliability with relative and absolute reliability and internal consistency in LBP-patients in a secondary setting. METHODS: A six-step translation and cross-culturally adaptation process was used. Forty-four patients with subacute and chronic LBP were recruited at an outpatient clinic. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability (n= 37) was found to be excellent (ICC2.1= 0.92), Internal Consistency (n= 44) was adequate (Cronbach's alpha = 0.72). Absolute reliability included Standard Error of Measurement (SEM = 3.97 points), 95% Limits of Agreement (95% LOA = 0.08, -15.90-15.74), and Smallest Detectable Change (SDC = 10.87 points). CONCLUSION: The Danish ÖMPSQ-sf showed acceptable measurements properties in subacute and chronic LBP-patients. Further research is needed to assess other measurement properties of the ÖMPSQ-sf, in relation to validity, responsiveness, and the predictive ability before application in research or clinical practice.

A Comprehensive Workplace Exercise Intervention to Reduce Musculoskeletal Pain and Improve Functional Capacity in Office Workers: A Randomized Controlled Study.

The high levels of musculoskeletal pain, in conjunction with the low levels of functional capacity, may negatively affect workers' health, efficiency, and productivity. This randomized controlled study investigated the efficacy of a 6-month comprehensive workplace exercise program on musculoskeletal pain and functional capacity in office workers. Seventy male and female office workers with musculoskeletal pain in any body area were randomly assigned to either an intervention (IG; n = 35) or a control group (CG; n = 35). The IG participated every working day (during working hours) in a 6-month supervised combined (flexibility, strength, and balance) exercise program (120 training sessions; five times/week) for the total body. The CG did not participate in any intervention. Musculoskeletal pains in nine body areas and functional capacity (flexibility, balance, and strength) of the lower and upper body were measured before and following the intervention. The IG significantly reduced duration and intensity of pain (43.1-70%; p = 0.000) as well as days of work absenteeism (84.6%; p = 0.000), while improving work capacity (87.1%; p = 0.000). Furthermore, the IG significantly increased cervical, handgrip, back, and leg maximal strength (10.3-27.1%; p = 0.000) and flexibility and balance (12.3-73.7%; p = 0.000). In CG, all musculoskeletal pain and functional capacity indices remained unchanged. In conclusion, this program may be effectively used to reduce musculoskeletal pain and improve functional capacity.

Childhood Maltreatment and Adult Work Absenteeism: Work Meaningfulness as a Double-Edged Sword.

The adverse impacts of childhood maltreatment (CM) on an individual's health and economic welfare are widely recognized, yet its occupational and organizational effects remain less explored. Employee absenteeism, known as absenteeism, is often a sign of workplace maladjustment and may be linked to a history of CM. Some individuals in the helping professions, who exhibit a strong sense of purpose in their employment and pursue it in demanding environments, are CM survivors. This study investigates whether a heightened sense of meaningfulness in their work is associated with increased absenteeism among this subgroup. We recruited 320 helping professionals from a variety of social and mental health settings, one third of whom reported experiencing CM. As hypothesized, CM was positively correlated with work absenteeism. Furthermore, the relationship between work meaningfulness and absenteeism was moderated by their CM history: among those with CM experiences, greater work meaningfulness was associated with higher absenteeism rates. Our findings highlight the possibility that work meaningfulness may operate as a double-edged sword, and the importance of better understanding the challenges that high-functioning survivors of CM face within organizational contexts.

Sick Leave Due to Ear Diagnoses, a Nationwide Representative Registry of Mexico.

Sickness absence from work is a measure of both poor health and social functioning. In order to assess the frequency of sick leave due to ear-related diagnoses, we performed a retrospective analysis on the registry of paid sick leave certificates supplied by the main social security institution in Mexico during the years 2018 and 2019, just prior to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We observed that, in the two years, 22,053 sick leave certificates due to ear-related diagnoses were provided to 18,033 workers. The most frequent ear-related diagnoses were those of vestibular disorders (94.64%); among them, the most common diagnosis was Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (75.16%), followed by Labrynthitis and Meniere's disease (circa 8% each). A total of 4.63% of the diagnoses were related to external and middle ear disorders, and 0.71% were mainly related to hearing. Consistently, the highest cumulative days of sick leave required were given for the group of diagnoses related to vestibular disorders; although the less frequent diagnoses required the highest cumulative days per case (e.g., ototoxicity). During 2018 and 2019, the most frequent diagnoses of ear-related sick leave were due to vestibular diagnoses (particularly Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo).

COVID-19 made it harder to access period products: The effects of a pandemic on period poverty.

Background: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a few studies started to highlight the extent of period poverty in the U.S., especially among low-income women and girls. Preliminary data documenting the effects of the pandemic, subsequent economic downturn, and closure of schools and businesses on menstrual hygiene management are now emerging. Objective: This study explores the relationship between the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and period poverty among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. Methods: Cross-sectional, secondary analyses of a 2021 nationwide, self-administered, online panel survey used weighted logistic regressions to assess the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic making it more difficult to access products and missing work due to a lack of products. Responses from 1,037 menstruating individuals age 18-49 were included. Results: Overall, 30% of the sample indicated the COVID-19 pandemic made it more difficult to access period products, 29% struggled to purchase period products in the past year, and 18% missed work due to a lack of period products. Those who identified as Hispanic (aOR 2.06 95% CI 1.29-3.29) and had children under 18 (aOR 15.3 95% CI 1.03-2.26) were more likely to indicate that the pandemic made it harder to access period products. Subsequently, those who indicated that the pandemic made it more difficult to access period supplies were more likely to report missing work due to a lack of period products in the past 12 months (aOR 4.32 95% CI 4.69-6.94). Discussion: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated period poverty, especially among those in the U.S. who struggle with accessibility and affordability of products. Future pandemic response planning should consider period products as a basic need for vulnerable households. In addition, policies that increase the affordability and accessibility of period products for all should help reduce menstruation-related absenteeism from work.

Therapeutic and Preventive Efficacy of an Intervention on Workers in a Back School.

Back pain and its ailments are the main cause of absenteeism and sick leave. Furthermore, the cause of pain and disability in a large number of workers is unknown, and treatments are not effective in controlling it. For this reason, the Back Schools (BSs) provide theoretical and practical training to workers so that they can acquire knowledge and skills that will allow them to adequately manage their back problems, enabling them to recover their autonomy and prevent relapses. The aim of the study is to analyse the efficacy of a BS by means of the evaluation of pain and disability scales in workers in different sectors and in construction. The most important clinical benefits obtained after the intervention of a BS are the reduction of pain and disability. Statistically significant and clinically relevant results have been observed between the initial assessment and the 6-month review. BS has been shown to be effective in reducing low back and neck pain and disability during the first 6 months of follow-up. Construction workers have pain and disability rates at the overall mean and with improvements between the initial assessment and the 6-month review. Their rates of improvement are clinically more relevant than for the overall population analysed.

Work absenteeism and disability associated with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in the USA-a retrospective study of claims data from 2009 TO 2020.

OBJECTIVES: To compare work absenteeism and short-term disability among adults with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis (PsA), versus controls in the USA. METHODS: Adults eligible for work absenteeism and/or short-term disability benefits between 1/1/2009 and 4/30/2020 were screened in the IBM® MarketScan® Commercial and Health and Productivity Management Databases. The following groups were defined: (1) psoriasis: ≥ 2 psoriasis diagnoses ≥ 30 days apart and no PsA diagnoses; (2) PsA: ≥ 2 PsA diagnoses ≥ 30 days apart; (3) control: absence of psoriasis and PsA diagnoses. Controls were matched to psoriasis and PsA patients based on age, gender, index year, and comorbidities. Non-recreational work absences and sick leaves were evaluated in absentee-eligible patients, and short-term disability was evaluated in short-term disability-eligible patients. Costs (in 2019 USD) associated with each type of work absence were evaluated. RESULTS: 4261 psoriasis and 616 PsA absentee-eligible and 25,213 psoriasis and 3480 PsA short-term disability-eligible patients were matched to controls. Average non-recreational work absence costs were $1681, $1657, and $1217 for the PsA, psoriasis, and control group, respectively. Compared with psoriasis patients and controls, more PsA patients had sick leaves after 1 year (56.2% versus 55.6% and 41.5%, p < 0.0001). Similarly, short-term disability was more frequent in PsA patients than psoriasis patients and controls at year one (8.8% versus 5.6% and 4.7%, p < 0.0001) and corresponding costs were higher ($605, $406, and $335 on average, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Annual work absenteeism and short-term disability were consistently greater among patients with PsA and psoriasis than controls, highlighting the substantial economic burden of psoriatic disease. Key points • Patients with PsA had greater short-term disability compared with patients with psoriasis and patients with neither psoriasis nor PsA. • Patients with PsA and patients with psoriasis incurred greater non-recreational work absences and sick leaves than patients with neither psoriasis nor PsA.

Socio-economic disparities and returning to work following an injury.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic injury is one of the main reasons for temporary and permanent occupational disability. The objective of this study was to define the role of socio-economic position on post-injury occupational absenteeism. METHODS: This was a nationwide retrospective cohort study, based on linking The Israeli National Trauma Registry (INTR) and the National Insurance Institute (NII) databases. The study population included 44,740 injured workers (residents of Israel, aged 21-67, hospitalized between 2008 and 2013 and employed prior to injury as salaried workers). Logistic-regression models tested the probability of not returning to work (RTW). RESULTS: The majority of the study population (61%) RTW within 1 month following the injury event. Income prior to injury was significantly associated with longer out of work stay, explaining 9% variance. A significant interaction (p value < 0.0001) was found between age and income on out of work stay more than 1 month, 1 year and 2 years. Logistic regression models of out of work stay were conducted separately for all age groups. Lower income was associated with greater chance for out of work stay for more than 1 month; and the gap between the lowest and highest income quartiles was greater among older workers (age 55+), where there was an elevenfold increase in probability of not RTW among casualties from the lowest vs. highest income quartile. In comparison to other population groups, Arabs were at greater odds of longer out of work stay following an injury. Among injured persons recognized by the NII as having occupational injuries, the odds for not RTW within a month, a year and 2 years were respectively 3.9, 2.5 and 2.2 times significantly greater in comparison to employees injured outside the workplace. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified population groups with a high probability of not RTW following an injury requiring hospitalization. Intervention programs for injured employees should promote early rehabilitation and aim to shorten out of work stay. These programs should be ethnically adapted and focus on underprivileged and disadvantaged populations.

Absentismo laboral en trabajadores del hospital psiquiátrico Vilardebó de Montevideo, durante el año 2013 / Work absenteeism in workers of the Vilardebo psychiatric hospital in Montevideo in 2013

En Uruguay, la información sobre absentismo laboral en trabajadores vinculados a la salud mental ha presentado dificultades en su sistematización. Surge entonces, la posibilidad de abordar dicha problemática en el único hospital psiquiátrico público del país, dado el interés de autoridades, profesionales y constatar la existencia de mejoras en la calidad de los registros institucionales. Objetivo general: Caracterizar el absentismo laboral en trabajadores del hospital psiquiátrico Vilardebó de Montevideo, durante el año 2013, según certificaciones médicas. Metodología: Convergen aspectos exploratorios, descriptivos y correlaciones, bajo un diseño cuantitativo, no experimental, transversal, retrospectivo. Resultados: El mayor ausentismo laboral se observó en el turno matutino, en mujeres auxiliares de enfermería; sin embargo, los mayores ausentismos días promedio se dieron en hombres por causa de salud mental. Asimismo, 33, 6% de la población estudiada presentó más de 2 certificaciones. Dado el Test Chi-Cuadrado se constató la no independencia entre: motivo de certificación en función del turno y/o cargo del trabajador/a. Discusión: algunos de los resultados se reconocen en otros estudios; siendo uno de los primeros trabajos en la materia se sugiere la realización de nuevas investigaciones con el fin de observar la dinámica temporal del fenómeno estudiado, dadas sus implicancias individuales, colectivas, asistenciales e institucionales(AU)

In Uruguay, the systematic gathering of information on worker absenteeism due to mental health has been difficult. We had an opportunity to address this problem in the only public psychiatric hospital in the country, given the interest of authorities, professionals on verifying improvements in the quality of institutional records. Overall objective. To describe the medical certifications of workers of the Vilardebó psychiatric hospital in Montevideo in 2013. Methodology. Approach that brings together exploratory, descriptive and correlation aspects, using a quantitative, nonexperimental, cross-sectional, retrospective study design. Results. The greatest absenteeism from work was observed in the morning shift among female nursing assistants; however, the highest average number of absenteeism days 33.6% of the study population had more than two medical certifications. Based on chi-square statistics, non-independence was found between the reason for medical certification depending on the shift and / or job title of the worker. Discussion. Some of the results are consistent with prior studies. However, being one of the first studies on this subject, more research is needed to further examine the temporal dynamics of these observations, given their individual, collective, healthcare and institutional implications(AU)

The Impact of the Direct Participation of Workers on the Rates of Absenteeism in the Spanish Labor Environment.

The aim of this research was to study the relationship between the different levels of direct participation of workers (passive, consultative or active-delegated) in risk prevention management with the levels of absenteeism in Spain. To this end, a transversal study was carried out using microdata from the Second European Survey of Companies on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER-2-Spain, 2014) with a master population of 3162 work centres. A multinomial logistic regression model was carried out, with the dependent variable being the levels of absenteeism and the independent variables, the participation indicators and preventive management, calculating the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) between all the independent and control variables, with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% IC). The results obtained showed how the active-delegative participation of workers in the design and adoption of psychosocial risk prevention measures reported 2.33 less probabilities of having a very high or fairly high level of absenteeism (aOR = 0.43; 95%IC:0.27-0.69). However, having documented aspects of preventive management (plan, risk assessment, planning measures) did not have any impact on absenteeism levels, which shows that we can fall into an unrealistic institutional mirage of security with active policies of co-education or co-management being necessary to reduce absenteeism.

Waking to use technology at night, and associations with driving and work outcomes: a screenshot of Australian adults.

The use of smartphones/electronic devices and their relationship with outcomes are understudied in adult populations. We determined daytime functional correlates of using technology during the night in a population sample of Australian adults. A cross-sectional, national online survey of sleep health was conducted in 2019 (n = 1984, 18-90 years). Nocturnal technology use was assessed with: "In the past seven days, how often did you wake or were woken to send or receive text messages, emails or other electronic communications?" Waking to use technology during all/most nights was reported by 4.9%, with 13.8% reporting two to three nights per week, and 12.7% reporting just one night per week. Technology users were more likely to be younger, employed, experience financial stress, and speak English as a second language. In adjusted analyses, compared to no use, technology use at least two to three nights per week was significantly associated with daytime problems (sleepiness, fatigue and impaired mood, motivation, and attention) and was more evident in participants not reporting/perceiving a sleep problem. Technology use was independently associated with at least one drowsy driving-related motor vehicle accidents/near miss per month (odds ratio [OR] = 6.4, 95% CI = 3.8 to 10.7) and with missing work (OR = 4.8, 95% CI: 3.2 to 7.2) and making errors at work (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.5 to 3.3) at least 1 day in the past 3 months due to sleepiness/sleep problem. These associations were not significantly modified by age. Public health implications of waking to engage with electronic devices at night may be significant in terms of safety, productivity, and well-being. Limiting sleep-disrupting technology use will require innovative language-diverse strategies targeted broadly across age groups.

Fatiga laboral y ausentismo en el trabajo en mujeres auxiliares de enfermería de un hospital de alta complejidad, Chile / Occupational fatigue and work absenteeism in female assistant nurses of a high-complexity hospital, Chile

Resumen Esta investigación ignifi la asociación entre la fatiga y el absentismo en el trabajo en 110 asistentes de enfermería de un hospital altamente complejo en Chile. Se ignifi un cuestionario sociodemográfico y la escala Check Strength Individual Strength. Los resultados mostraron que el ignific de absentismo predominante fue de 11 a 29 días. Los mayores promedios de fatiga se presentaron en los mayores de 2 años, con más de 10 pacientes en el consultorio y con contrato annual. No hubo diferencias significativas entre la fatiga media en relación con el absentismo, pero hubo una asociación ignificative entre la fatiga física (p = 0,040; OR = 1,054) y la antigüedad en el trabajo (p = 0,001; OR = 1,084) con el absentismo laboral. Finalmente, se concluye que la fatiga física y la antigüedad en el servicio clínico representaron un factor de riesgo significativo para el absentismo.

Abstract This research examined the association between occupational fatigue and work absenteeism in 110 female assistant nurses of a high-complexity hospital in Chile. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS) scale were used. The results showed that the predominant absenteeism range was 11-29 days. The highest means of fatigue occurred in those with seniority above 2 years, with more than 10 patients in charge and an annual contract. No significant difference was observed between the fatigue means concerning absenteeism, but a significant association was observed between physical fatigue (p = 0.040, OR = 1.054) and service seniority (p = 0.001, OR = 1.084) with work absenteeism. Finally, we can conclude that physical fatigue and seniority in the clinical service are significant risk factors for the occurrence of absenteeism.

Returning to Work Following an Injury: Practical Usage of a Predictive Model Based on a Nationwide Study.

Work absenteeism following an injury creates an economic burden on society and the individual. Programs encouraging return to work (RTW) should be implemented for high risk populations. The aim of this study was to identify the predictors for duration until RTW following an injury. The Israeli National Trauma Registry and the National Insurance Institute database (2008-2013) were linked. Logistic-regression models tested the probability not RTW within 1 month, 1 year and 2 years among 67% of the population and the quality of the model was examined among 33% of the population. The study population comprised 45,291 casualties (aged 21-67 and employed prior to injury as salaried workers). The majority of the study population (61%) RTW within 1 month from the injury event. Injury severity, multiple injuries, brain injury, traffic related injuries and fall injuries were significantly associated with work absenteeism. A dose-response relationship was found between income and not RTW: the lower the income the greater was the chance of not RTW. Among casualties with occupational injuries the odds for not RTW within a month, a year and 2 years were respectively, 3.7, 2.4 and 2 times significantly greater in comparison with casualties not injured at work. Underprivileged ethnic groups (Arabs and immigrants from Ethiopia) had a greater chance for long out of work stay following an injury. The outcomes of this study identified casualties at high risk for not RTW and enables health professionals to develop intervention programs focusing on returning to a productive lifestyle.

Poor work ability increases sickness absence over 10 years.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the predictive value of single items from the work ability index (WAI) on the risk of sickness absence over several years, and whether such risk varies across age groups. AIMS: The aim of the study was to investigate whether poor self-perceived physical and mental work ability among employees in the public sector are associated with long-term sickness absence over a 10-year period. METHODS: The study was based on a prospective cohort of employees within the public sector in Sweden reporting 'good health for working'. Baseline information was collected with questionnaires from 2000 to 2003. Poor physical and mental work ability in relation to work demands were assessed with two items from the WAI. The outcome was the number of years of long-term sickness absence between 2003 and 2012. Long-term sickness absence was defined as ≥28 days of sickness and this information was retrieved from Swedish National Registers. Crude and adjusted incidence rate ratios were calculated with analyses stratified by age. RESULTS: Compared with those reporting very good physical work ability, employees reporting any lower grade of physical work ability had a higher risk of long-term sickness absence across all age strata, with higher risk estimates in the highest age groups and 6-fold increased risk in the oldest age group. Similar results were found for mental work ability with an almost 4-fold increased risk in the highest age group. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported physical and mental poor work ability are associated with long-term sickness absence during the subsequent 10 years. The risk increases with age.

Time Pressure, Time Autonomy, and Sickness Absenteeism in Hospital Employees: A Longitudinal Study on Organizational Absenteeism Records.

BACKGROUND: Although work absenteeism is in the focus of occupational health, longitudinal studies on organizational absenteeism records in hospital work are lacking. This longitudinal study tests time pressure and lack of time autonomy to be related to higher sickness absenteeism. METHODS: Data was collected for 180 employees (45% nurses) of a Swiss hospital at baseline and at follow-up after 1 year. Absent times (hours per month) were received from the human resources department of the hospital. One-year follow-up of organizational absenteeism records were regressed on self-reported job satisfaction, time pressure, and time autonomy (i.e., control) at baseline. RESULTS: A multivariate regression showed significant prediction of absenteeism by time pressure at baseline and time autonomy, indicating that a stress process is involved in some sickness absenteeism behavior. Job satisfaction and the interaction of time pressure and time autonomy did not predict sickness absenteeism. CONCLUSION: Results confirmed time pressure and time autonomy as limiting factors in healthcare and a key target in work redesign.

[Impact of the obstructive sleep hypopnea-apnea syndrom treated on employment for military employment]. / Impact du syndrome d'apnées-hypopnées obstructives du sommeil appareillé sur le maintien dans l'emploi chez les militaires d'active.

INTRODUCTION: The diurnal hypersomnia associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects soldier employment and deployability. In this study, we examined the impact of OSA on the employment of soldiers on continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) therapy by measuring several items: work absenteeism using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire, diurnal hypersomnia, and career advancement. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent by regular mail to 940 soldiers with OSA on CPAP therapy who are insured by the French Military Healthcare Fund (Caisse Nationale Militaire de Sécurité Sociale). RESULTS: Questionnaires were returned by 439 soldiers: mean age 47 years; mean body mass index 29.8kg/m2. Absenteeism reached 0.45%, and work productivity impairment 8.7%. Hypersomnia was reported by 15.4% and was severe for 9.7%. The average daily working time was 6.5hours. Quality of life was improved for 91.1%. The military practitioner had diagnosed OSA in 19.6% of these soldiers and had prescribed treatment in 14.9%. DISCUSSION: Residual OSA in these soldiers on CPAP therapy had little impact on work productivity impairment that was less than observed in populations with chronic diseases. In our study population, hypersomnia was less common than observed in the general population. An impact on career advancement could not be clearly demonstrated. Close medical follow-up is warranted in certain populations due to the persistence of severe somnolence in a significant number of patients.

Time Pressure, Time Autonomy, and Sickness Absenteeism in Hospital Employees: A Longitudinal Study on Organizational Absenteeism Records

BACKGROUND: Although work absenteeism is in the focus of occupational health, longitudinal studies on organizational absenteeism records in hospital work are lacking. This longitudinal study tests time pressure and lack of time autonomy to be related to higher sickness absenteeism. METHODS: Data was collected for 180 employees (45% nurses) of a Swiss hospital at baseline and at follow-up after 1 year. Absent times (hours per month) were received from the human resources department of the hospital. One-year follow-up of organizational absenteeism records were regressed on self-reported job satisfaction, time pressure, and time autonomy (i.e., control) at baseline. RESULTS: A multivariate regression showed significant prediction of absenteeism by time pressure at baseline and time autonomy, indicating that a stress process is involved in some sickness absenteeism behavior. Job satisfaction and the interaction of time pressure and time autonomy did not predict sickness absenteeism. CONCLUSION: Results confirmed time pressure and time autonomy as limiting factors in healthcare and a key target in work redesign.

Afastamento laboral por transtornos mentais entre os servidores da prefeitura municipal de Manaus: uma análise preliminar / Technical clearance for mental disorders among the servers in the city hall of Manaus: a preliminary analysis

O presente trabalho teve o propósito de investigar as ocorrências de afastamentos laborais decorrentes de transtornos mentais entre os servidores da Prefeitura Municipal de Manaus ­ PMM, registrados pela Junta Médica do Município, no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2011. Encontrou-se, após a análise documental, dados de extrema significância que convergem com inúmeros estudos os quais assinalam a natureza do trabalho como fator de risco para o adoecimento mental. Verificou-se, através dos mesmos, que os transtornos mentais estão entre as maiores causas de afastamentos das atividades laborais, especialmente entre os servidores da área da saúde e da educação, representando 10% do total de licenças concedidas em 2011. Esses achados poderão subsidiar futuros estudos que tenham como foco a promoção de saúde e a qualidade de vida desses profissionais, constituindo-se em um grande desafio para os gestores públicos (AU).

This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of work absenteeism due to mental disorders among the servers of the Prefeitura Municipal de Manaus - PMM, registered by the Medical Board of the Municipality, between January and December 2011. After the documentary analysis, data of extreme significance that converge with numerous studies which indicate the nature of work as a risk factor for mental illness were found. It is through them that mental disorders has been a major cause of absence from work activities, especially among the servers in the area of health and education, representing 10% of total permits issued in 2011. These findings may support future studies that focus on health promotion and quality of life of these professionals, thus becoming a major challenge for policy makers (AU).