RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To analyse the sociodemographic, occupational and health profile of nursing professionals working in university outpatient services and their relationship with absenteeism. BACKGROUND: The organisation and working conditions in outpatient services may be directly related to the illness and absenteeism in the nursing profession. METHOD: Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 11 outpatient clinics in the city of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil with nursing professionals. A self-applicable data collection tool was used for sociodemographic, occupational and health characterization. The analyses were performed using chi-square tests, odds ratio calculation and a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Absenteeism due to illness in the previous 12 months was reported by 35.9% of workers. Sociodemographic and occupational characteristics were not significantly associated with absenteeism, having a positive association only among workers who had two or more jobs. In health-related variables, self-rated health was significantly associated with long absenteeism. Individuals with four or more chronic diseases had a 187% higher chance of being absent for more days. CONCLUSION: The analysis of factors associated with absenteeism must take into account the context of outpatient nursing work and its consequences for the health-disease process. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: This allows for rethinking proposals for interventions based on the reality of workers' health.
