Place of residence as a correlate of sickness absence in Sweden

Abstract

A postal questionnaire was sent to 1500 randomly selected men and women aged 20-64 years living in three sparsely populated municipalities in northern Sweden with high rates of sickness absence, and to 1000 corresponding inhabitants in the Swedish capital Stockholm with a low rate of sickness absence. The proportion of participants aged >or=45 years was higher and incomes were lower in municipalities with high rates of sickness absence. In multiple logistic regression analyses with age, education, income, somatic health, mental health, pain and place of residence as independent variables, significant correlates of sick listing in men were: age >or=45 years (odds ratio 5.0; 95% confidence interval 2.4-10.3), poor somatic health (5.4; 2.6-11.0) and severe musculoskeletal pain (4.7; 2.4-9.1); and in women: age >or=45 years (2.6; 1.5-4.8), poor somatic health (12.2; 6.1-24.4), poor mental health (4.5; 2.0-10.1) and severe musculoskeletal pain (5.4; 2.7-10.5). Mental health was deleted by the logistic model for men, and income, education and place of residence for both sexes. We conclude that no support was found for the assumption that factors attributable to place of residence could explain the regional differences in sickness absence.

Sickness absence among privately employed white-collar workers: A total population study in Sweden

“…Those living in large cities (Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö) had a lower risk of SA than those in medium-sized or small towns. This is in line with previous research, and might reflect that it is easier to find an alternative job if it is not possible to remain in the current job due to reduced work capacity [24], or a possible higher rate of older people with worse somatic and mental health in more rural areas [25]. We also found that those born in Sweden had a lower risk of SA, which is in line with previous results [26].…”

Locality differences of sickness absence in the context of health and social conditions of the inhabitants

“…Our starting point was, however, an earlier study showing that the major part of the between-factory difference in sickness absence is not due to differences in the perceived health and working ability of the employees or in the characteristics of the work tasks and the physical and psychosocial working conditions [7]. Although self-rated somatic and mental health and symptoms can explain the regional variation of sickness absence [16], it is improbable that such factors could explain the difference between Municipality A and Municipality B observed in this study. These empirical findings suggest that locality-specific social practice is reflected in sickness absence.…”

Trajectories of sustainable working life in nine Swedish residential regions: A longitudinal twin cohort study

“…These changes can be directly or indirectly influenced by regional characteristics and consequently have an impact on sustainable working life. Previously, studies have reported higher risk of sickness absence and disability pension for individuals living in rural or semi‐rural municipalities compared to urban municipalities or towns 9,10,12,15,16 . However, to the best of our knowledge, studies are lacking for the differences and similarities between residential regions on sustainable working life.…”

“…Sociodemographic characteristics of the residential region can play a role for sustainable working life. Based on results of unsustainable working life (ie, interruptions or transitions in working life due to sickness absence or disability pension), being a woman has shown to be associated with an increased risk of sickness absence or disability pension 9,16,17 . Also, older age has been linked with the associations between residential regions and the risk of disability pension or sickness absence 9,16,17 .…”