Associations between common diseases and work ability and sick leave among health care workers

Abstract

PurposeThis study investigates whether common diseases, i.e., musculoskeletal diseases (MSD), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), mental disorders (MD), and respiratory diseases (RD), influence work ability and sick leave and whether lifestyle-related factors, and psychosocial and physical work-related factors are associated with low work ability and sick leave.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study among 8364 Dutch health care employees, self-reported information was acquired concerning common diseases, lifestyle-related factors, psychosocial and physical work-related factors, work ability, and sick leave. Logistic regression analyses were performed to describe the associations between common diseases with low work ability and sick leave, and to evaluate differences in associations between lifestyle-related and work-related factors with low work ability and sick leave among healthy employees and employees with common diseases.ResultsEmployees with MD (OR 6.35), CVD (OR 2.63), MSD (OR 2.62), and RD (OR 2.11) had a higher risk of low work ability compared to healthy employees. Workers with common diseases also reported more often sick leave (ORs > 1.60), in particular long-term sick leave (>25 days). Multimorbidity increased both the occurrence of low work ability and sick leave. Unfavourable psychosocial work-related factors were associated with low work ability and sick leave regardless of health status. Physical work-related factors and lifestyle factors were less consistently associated with low work ability and sick leave.ConclusionsCommon diseases, and foremost mental disorders, were related to both low work ability and sick leave. To maintain or improve work ability and prevent sick leave, interventions that promote a healthy psychosocial work environment are needed.

Lifestyle, sick leave and work ability among Norwegian employees with asthma—A population-based cross-sectional survey conducted in Telemark County, Norway

“…To the best of our knowledge, no previous study has assessed the association between a multiple lifestyle risk index and sick leave in a general working population. However, two recent European studies [18,19] have assessed individual lifestyle risk factors and associations with sick leave among health care workers. A multi-cohort study found that lifestyle factors such as smoking and low physical activity were associated with sickness absence linked to respiratory disease [19], while a Dutch study did not find any significant associations between individual lifestyle factors and sick leave among persons with respiratory diseases [18].…”

“…However, two recent European studies [18,19] have assessed individual lifestyle risk factors and associations with sick leave among health care workers. A multi-cohort study found that lifestyle factors such as smoking and low physical activity were associated with sickness absence linked to respiratory disease [19], while a Dutch study did not find any significant associations between individual lifestyle factors and sick leave among persons with respiratory diseases [18]. Unlike the present study, however, these studies did not specify which respiratory diseases were under investigation, and did not assess the strength of possible interactions with lifestyle factors.…”

“…Limited studies have been conducted of modifiable lifestyle factors which may reduce sick leave and increase work ability among persons with asthma. A recent Dutch study explored the association between several chronic diseases, including respiratory diseases, selected lifestyle factors, sick leave and work ability among health care workers [18]. The study suggests that smoking and obesity negatively influence work ability, especially among persons with respiratory disease [18].…”

“…A recent Dutch study explored the association between several chronic diseases, including respiratory diseases, selected lifestyle factors, sick leave and work ability among health care workers [18]. The study suggests that smoking and obesity negatively influence work ability, especially among persons with respiratory disease [18]. Another European study suggests that low physical activity and smoking are associated with sick leave among persons with respiratory diseases [19].…”

The presence of violence at work of health care personnel and their work ability

“…If workers are not provided with favourable working conditions or too high requirements are set [6], then in the course of time, stress and emotional overload can be observed, which may have an impact on employees' ability. Thereby, the studies mostly have been focused on the impact of various socio-demographic and psychosocial risks [7,8], workload [9] shift/night work [10], and the health status of personnel [9,11,12] on the medical staff work abilities.…”