What makes physicians go to work while sick: a comparative study of sickness presenteeism in four European countries (HOUPE)

Sendén, Marie Gustafsson; Løvseth, Lise Tevik; Schenck‐Gustafsson, Karin; Fridner, Ann

doi:10.4414/smw.2013.13840

Cited by 46 publications

(52 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…Surgeons with fewer years in practice tend to feel that work is overwhelming and that working as a surgeon does not meet their expectations, especially in the competitive working environment of academic hospitals (Campbell et al 2001 ). A highly competitive environment could foster sickness presenteeism, where one prefers to go to work ill than stay at home to recover (Fridner et al 2009 ; Gustafsson Sendén et al 2013 ). By attending work despite illness, or taking compensatory leave, one covers the weaknesses that may be perceived as negative in a competitive workplace (Fridner 2004 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…By attending work despite illness, or taking compensatory leave, one covers the weaknesses that may be perceived as negative in a competitive workplace (Fridner 2004 ). Sickness presenteeism has been found to be associated with role conflicts, which in turn are likely mediators for mental illness and are associated with suicidal ideation (Gustafsson Sendén et al 2013 ; Haines et al 2008 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Suicidal ideation among surgeons in Italy and Sweden – a cross-sectional study

et al. 2014

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BackgroundSuicidal ideation is more prevalent among physicians, compared to the population in general, but little is known about the factors behind surgeons’ suicidal ideation. A surgeon’s work environment can be competitive and characterised by degrading experiences, which could contribute to burnout, depression and even thoughts of suicide. Being a surgeon has been reported to be predictor for not seeking help when psychological distressed. The aim of the present study was to investigate to what extent surgeons in Italy and Sweden are affected by suicidal ideation, and how suicidal ideation can be associated with psychosocial work conditions.MethodsA cross-sectional study of surgeons was performed in Italy (N = 149) and Sweden (N = 272), where having suicidal ideation was the outcome variable. Work-related factors, such as harassment, depression and social support, were also measured.ResultsSuicidal ideation within the previous twelve months was affirmatively reported by 18% of the Italian surgeons, and by 12% of the Swedish surgeons in the present study. The strongest association with having recent suicidal ideation for both countries was being subjected to degrading experiences/harassment at work by a senior physician. Sickness presenteeism, exhaustion and disengagement were related to recent suicidal ideation among Italian surgeons, while role conflicts and sickness presenteeism were associated with recent suicidal ideation in the Swedish group. For both countries, regular meetings to discuss situations at work were found to be protective.ConclusionsA high percentage of surgeons at two university hospitals in Italy and Sweden reported suicidal ideation during the year before the investigation. This reflects a tough workload, including sickness presenteeism, harassment at work, exhaustion/disengagement and role conflicts. Regular meetings to discuss work situations might be protective.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Suicidal ideation among surgeons in Italy and Sweden – a cross-sectional study

et al. 2014

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“…Sickness presenteeism is also a well-known problem among specialists [30], as it has been seen to be a risk factor for health problems among physicians [31], as well as among the general public [32]. Particularly, the risk for mental health problems is larger among those who work despite being sick [32].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A comparison of risk and protective factors related to suicide ideation among residents and specialists in academic medicine

et al. 2014

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BackgroundPhysicians have an elevated risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts, which might be due to work-related factors. However, the hierarchical work positions as well as work-related health differ among resident and specialist physicians. As such, the correlates of suicide ideation may also vary between these two groups.MethodsIn the present study, work- and health-related factors and their association with suicidal thoughts among residents (n = 234) and specialists (n = 813) working at a university hospital were examined using cross-sectional data.ResultsLogistic regression analysis showed that having supportive meetings was associated with a lower level of suicide ideation among specialists (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.50-0.94), while an empowering leadership was related to a lower level of suicide ideation among residents (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.32-0.94). Having been harassed at work was associated with suicidal ideation among specialists (OR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.31-3.91). In addition, sickness presenteeism and work disengagement were associated with suicide ideation in both groups of physicians.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that different workplace interventions are needed to prevent suicide ideation in residents and specialists.

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“…The dependent variable sickness presenteeism was measured with one item 'Have you gone to work with an illness in a situation you would have recommended a patient to stay home?' (Rosvold and Bjertness, 2001;Sendén et al, 2013) was used to measure sickness presenteeism. Responses were given on a 5-point scale from 'Very seldom or never' (1) to 'Very often or always' (5).…”

Section: Measurementsmentioning

confidence: 99%