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

Sophie Van Den Berg,Suzan J.W Robroek,Alex Burdorf

doi:10.1007/s00420-017-1231-1

Sophie Van Den Berg, Suzan J.W Robroek + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-017-1231-1

Copy DOI

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.

Highlights

There is a need for employees to remain productive until retirement age
The objective of this study is to investigate 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
Participants were asked to indicate on a list of 13 broad disease categories which of the diseases were currently present as diagnosed by a physician

Summary

Introduction

There is a need for employees to remain productive until retirement age. This need is apparent in health care, due to a shortage of nurses and a high turnover of nursing personnel (Hayes et al 2006). Ageing employees have an increased risk of health problems and several studies have shown that poor self-rated health can lead to productivity loss at work, low work ability, sick leave and early exit from paid employment (Alavinia et al 2009; Laaksonen et al 2011; Van Rijn et al 2014; Van de Vijfeijke et al 2013). Within the health care sector, a particular large proportion of over 60% of the employees was found to have health problems (Godderis et al 2015)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion