Absence Rates Research Articles

Trends in work participation among patients with inflammatory rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases (iRMDs): Data from the German National Database (2010-2022).

To analyse work participation among patients with inflammatory rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases (iRMDs), namely rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). A cross-sectional sample of 16 421 patients from the National Database of the German Collaborative Arthritis Centers, aged <65 years were analysed. For each diagnosis, yearly rates of absenteeism, employment and disability pensions were analysed from 2010 to 2022. Population data were used to calculate standardised employment ratios (SERs), adjusted for age, sex, federal state and vocational qualification. The analysis was additionally stratified by sex, adjusting for other factors. Over the observed time span, large employment increases were found across all diagnoses, namely in RA (54%-68%), PsA (58%-72%), SSc (47%-66%), AAV (43%-61%), SLE (48%-60%) and axSpA (65%-73%). SERs were for RA 0.88 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.90), axSpA (0.88 (0.84 to 0.91)), PsA (0.88 (0.85 to 0.91)), SSc (0.83 (0.75 to 0.91)), SLE (0.76 (0.72 to 0.80)) and AAV (0.73 (0.63 to 0.83)). In RA, axSpA, PsA and AAV, SERs were higher in men while in SLE and SSc men had lower SER. Median of yearly absenteeism due to the disease decreased by 5 (RA), 1 (axSpA), 6 (PsA), 11 (SLE), 4 (SSc) and 10 days (AAV) in the time span. Except for SSc, the proportion of disability pension receivers decreased for all diagnoses. Since 2010, work participation has improved for patients with iRMDs, as reflected in higher employment, reduced absenteeism and less disability retirement. However, patients have not reached population employment rates.

Comparison of sickness absences across industries: A cross-sectional study using the JILPT Data Archive

Assessing the risk of employee health problems according to firm characteristics (e.g., industry) can be used by companies to identify groups of workers with health problems and develop health-related policies. Previous studies have examined differences in the prevalence of diseases across industries; however, studies using sickness absences, which reduce productivity, are scarce. The purpose of this study was to identify differences in sickness absence rates across industries. With permission for secondary use of archived data from the Japan Institute for Labor Policy and Training (JILPT), we obtained data from private companies with 50 or more regular employees nationwide. Negative binomial regression was conducted using the number of sickness absences attributed to mental health, cancer, lifestyle-related diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease), and intractable diseases as the objective variables. The results were confirmed by an ordinal logistic regression. Firm characteristics other than industry were adjusted for firm size, age structure, medical examinations, labor unions, and flexible work systems. The incidence of sickness absences due to mental health was high in the information and communications, medical care/welfare, and education/learning support industries because of lifestyle-related diseases, and heart disease was high in the transportation/postal industry. Cancer was high in the medical care/welfare industry. While older worker age groups had a lower incidence of mental health issues, a higher incidence of physical illnesses, excluding intractable diseases, was observed. The presence of a labor union was associated with sickness absences due to mental health, cancer, and cerebrovascular disease, and the availability of a flexible work system was associated with sickness absences due to mental health and heart disease. The three industries with a high incidence of mental health leave had a high percentage of professional/technical workers and a common background of heavy workloads. In addition, role ambiguity, particularly in the education and medical industries, could lead to stress. The association between the transportation/postal industry and sickness absences due to lifestyle-related diseases and heart disease was probably influenced by work style and lifestyle, whereas the association between the medical care/welfare industry and sickness absences due to cancer was probably influenced by the high percentage of women in this industry. This study could not be adjusted for several variables examined in other studies, such as sex, and caution should be exercised when interpreting the results, especially regarding absences due to cancer.

Does Teacher and Peer Racial/Ethnic Match Play a Role in Preschool Absenteeism?

ABSTRACT Research Findings: A significant number of children are regularly absent from preschool inhibiting their early learning and development. Yet, there has been little exploration of the conditions under which absenteeism may be lower. One such condition may be teacher and peer racial/ethnic match (REM), which may improve home-school connections and promote better attendance. This study examined the extent to which REM with teachers and peers is associated with absenteeism and whether these associations vary for White, Black, and Latine children. Our descriptive findings confirm that absenteeism rates in preschool are high, and that racial/ethnic match is unequally distributed, with Black and Latine children being less likely to have a match with their teachers than White children. Our inferential findings showed that teacher and peer REM were not associated with preschool absenteeism, and there were no differences for White, Black, and Latine children. Practice and Policy: Although there were no associations between REM and absenteeism, children benefit from diverse teachers in other ways, and it is critical to continue to invest in increasing representation among teachers of color in preschool. Moreover, the fact that over 10% of children were chronically absent from preschool underscores the need to investigate factors that influence attendance.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Psychological Co-morbidities

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent Gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, affecting approximately 10-15% of the global population, with significant implications for public health. It is characterised by chronic abdominal discomfort, altered bowel habits and a spectrum of symptoms that often co-exist with psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression. Emerging evidence highlights a critical imbalance in gut microbiota among individuals with IBS, underscoring the intricate gut-brain-microbiome axis. This dysbiosis not only exacerbates GI symptoms but also contributes to mental health challenges, creating a vicious cycle that impacts overall wellbeing. The broader consequences of IBS extend beyond individual health, leading to considerable impairment in daily functioning, reduced workplace efficiency and diminished Quality of Life (QoL). The socio-economic burden is reflected in increased rates of absenteeism, presenteeism and healthcare costs. Current therapeutic interventions, including probiotics, prebiotics, Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) and targeted medications, hold promise but require further research to establish their long-term efficacy and safety. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of IBS, focusing on its microbial aetiology, the interplay with psychological co-morbidities, and its profound effects on work-related activities and societal productivity. By consolidating existing evidence, it seeks to emphasise the urgent need for innovative and effective therapeutic strategies. Addressing IBS as a multifaceted public health challenge requires interdisciplinary efforts to develop tailored interventions that alleviate its wide-ranging impacts on individuals and communities.

Investigating the Underpinning Criteria of Employees’ Social Sustainability and Their Impact on Job Satisfaction in the U.A.E. Construction Sector

The construction sector holds a paramount position in the economic landscape of any country, serving as its foundational pillar. This sector, characterized by its diverse and dynamic environment, is crucial in job creation across various domains, including transportation, real estate, manufacturing, trade, warehousing, wholesale, and leasing services. Employing about one quarter of the global workforce, its significance is undeniable. Despite its pivotal role, the construction sector grapples with significant mental health and social sustainability challenges. Reports in recent years indicate that approximately one in four individuals worldwide experiences various forms of mental disorders. A study by the Global Burden of Disease in 2010 revealed that around 400 million people globally suffer from depression with projections suggesting that depression could be the leading cause of employee mortality by 2030. This underscores the critical need to address mental health and well-being issues in this sector. While the existing literature has presented numerous studies and reliable scales linking employee mental health and well-being to factors such as job satisfaction, productivity, absenteeism, and low turnover rates, these studies often operate in isolation, concentrating on specific aspects of mental health. This study views mental health and well-being as essential parts of defining social sustainability as a comprehensive concept. Moreover, limited research has been conducted to assist organizations in decision making and facilitate efforts to enhance the social sustainability of employees in the construction sector, highlighting a noticeable research gap. To address this gap, our study adopted a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, incorporating semi-structured interviews, surveys, and structural equation modeling to identify the underpinning criteria that define the social sustainability of employees. This study accordingly incorporated the identified criteria to evaluate the relationship and impact of these factors on employees’ job satisfaction, ultimately contributing to the assurance of social sustainability for employees within the construction sector in the UAE. This holistic approach seeks to establish the intricate relationship between employees’ job satisfaction and their mental health, providing valuable insights for guiding organizational decisions and fostering improvements in employee social sustainability in the construction sector generally and the UAE construction sector in particular.

Rates of School Absences in Pediatric Scoliosis Patients and Work Absences in Their Parents/Caregivers: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background/Objectives: The burden of scoliosis care extends beyond treatment costs and includes missed school for patients and lost income for parents. Chronic absenteeism, defined as more than 18 days of missed school, can have a significant impact on a child's educational progression, but missed school and work due to scoliosis treatment are not well quantified in the literature. This study investigates absenteeism among scoliosis patients and their caregivers. Methods: We conducted a retrospective comparative study of survey results based on surgery timing and surgery type. Patients and caregivers presenting for clinic visits for scoliosis treatment at a single large tertiary care center from 2014 to 2022 were queried. Results: We collected 2772 surveys from 1104 unique patients. Of these, 223 surveys from 132 patients were within one year of surgery: 140 post-fusion surveys, 71 post-nonfusion surveys, and 11 post-halo/multistage surgery surveys. A total of 2280 surveys were from 1022 nonoperatively treated patients. School absenteeism was significantly higher for surgeries during the school year compared to summer in both the fusion and nonfusion groups, though work absenteeism showed no significant differences. Halo/multistage surgery patients had the highest rates of absenteeism. Conclusions: This study highlights the impacts of scoliosis surgery timing and type on absenteeism among patients and their caregivers. Surgery during summer breaks reduces school absenteeism and academic disruption. Halo/multistage surgery patients face the greatest risk of chronic absenteeism from school, indicating a need for targeted interventions. Optimized surgical timing and planning can help families navigate the educational and financial challenges of scoliosis treatment.

Synergizing ergonomic principles with lean philosophy model towards productivity improvement in the shoes manufacturing industry

PurposeThis study aims to address the gap in integrating ergonomic principles with lean principles in the shoe product manufacturing process. The objective is to develop a customized model that effectively combines and synergizes ergonomics and lean principles.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data was collected through on-site observations, interviews and assessment of whole-body discomfort to evaluate the implementation of lean and ergonomic principles in each section of the shoe production process. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools, content analysis and software such as Microsoft Excel.FindingsThe findings of the study indicate that the case company’s underperformance, achieving only 26.96% of its designed capacity and 50.19% of its planned capacity, is primarily attributed to the poor integration of ergonomic principles with the lean philosophy model. The high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in the shoe production process significantly contributes to a loss of productivity due to increased absenteeism. The factory experiences a labour absenteeism rate of 5.59%, resulting in overtime and additional costs. To address these issues, the study proposes the adoption of 8S principles and an ergo-lean production system model. This model, conceptualized as a building construction structure, effectively eliminates waste in the shoe production process.Practical implicationsThe study’s findings will greatly enhance productivity in the shoe manufacturing sector by establishing a work environment that prioritizes employee needs and well-being. This will have significant practical implications for improving overall productivity in the industry.Originality/valueThis study stands out as it investigates the proactive integration of ergonomics and lean principles in the shoe manufacturing industry, an area that has not been previously explored. By bridging the gap between these two principles, the research contributes to the existing knowledge base.

Analysing the effects of flexible working conditions in the workplace: An exploratory study

Currently, South African government departments is inundated with common dire predicaments prominently manifested in the form of lack of punctuality, frequent leave requests, lack of engagement and poor management of employee wellbeing, resulting in high absenteeism rates. Flexible working schedules ameliorate the level of contentment and performance, which has been discovered to benefit both the employer and employee. There are limited previous studies done in the South African Public Sector on the subject of adopting flexibility conditions in the workplace. The empirical evidence on the subject is still sparse for the transitional economy like South Africa. Hence, this study sought to investigate the flexible work arrangements in the public organisation. The study adopted an exploratory design and a qualitative approach. A qualitative research approach was chosen for the study because it provided an opportunity to explore the research objectives in greater detail. The sample size and strategy used comprised organising focus group interviews as well as individual interviews, using a sample of 10 participants from different levels of the organisation. The findings of the study revealed that offering flexibility could help and support the emotional health of the employees. The study also found that a call for a flexible work strategy is of interest to most employees as it provides work-life balance. The organisation should consider implementing and making provision for flexible working arrangements which in turn improve job fulfilment, increase work and life, motivate employees, reduce absenteeism and increasing the quality of service delivery at all organisational levels.

The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on Work Absence: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Workers.

Compare SARS-CoV-2 infection and work absence rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated employees during a two-year pandemic period. Cross-sectional study with 2,107 participants. Primary outcome: total days missed; main exposure: vaccination status. Analyses included t-tests to compare absence days and ANOVA to evaluate confounders. Mixed-effects logistic regression assessed infection risk, incorporating community prevalence as a fixed effect and work location as a random effect. Vaccinated employees missed slightly fewer days (0.16 days), though not statistically significant (p = 0.574). Symptom severity and job status were linked to higher absenteeism. Vaccination had a small but significant protective effect (p = 0.045). Remote work correlated moderately with reduced absenteeism. Vaccination lowered infection risk but not absenteeism due to uniform quarantine policies. Remote work reduced absenteeism and should be integrated into future interventions to support vulnerable workers.

The Impact of Job Satisfaction on the Quality of Life of Formal Caregivers of the Elderly.

Absenteeism refers to the frequent, often unplanned, absence from the workplace. This study examines the interrelations among job satisfaction, quality of life (QoL), and absenteeism among formal caregivers for elderly individuals. With the significant demographic shift toward an aging population, understanding these dynamics is increasingly important. A sample of 82 caregivers from Portuguese Private Social Solidarity Institutions was used, with QoL assessed through the WHOQOL-Bref and job satisfaction measured via the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ). The results reveal that higher levels of job satisfaction are associated with improved QoL and lower rates of absenteeism. Specifically, caregivers with higher satisfaction reported fewer sick leaves and a more favorable perception of their QoL. These findings underscore the need for supportive workplace policies that enhance caregiver satisfaction, ultimately contributing to both caregiver well-being and the quality of care provided.

Absenteeism Among National Health Service Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Portugal

By March 2020, the first COVID-19 cases were detected in Portugal. Anecdotal evidence showed that the National Health Service absenteeism rate rose. The present study aimed to quantify and characterize the absenteeism rate among these healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal. This study used data from the Portuguese National Health Service Transparency Portal for the number of National Health Service workers and absence days (2015 - 2021). Absenteeism was compared, before and after the pandemic onset, in absolute terms, and as absenteeism rates. Additionally, we performed an interrupted time series analysis, by fitting a Poisson regression model with level change. We controlled for data seasonality using Fourier terms. The results showed that, between 2015 and March 2020, the average monthly absenteeism rate was of 12.2%, rising to 14.5% in the subsequent period. This represented an increase of 19% in the absenteeism rate. The interrupted time series analysis showed an increase of 10.8% in the National Health Service absenteeism rate after the pandemic onset [relative risk = 1.10; 95% CI 1.10 - 1.11; p &lt; 0.01]. When accounting for seasonality in the data, the interrupted time series analysis showed an increase of 11.0% in the National Health Service absenteeism rate [relative risk = 1.11; 95% CI 1.00 - 1.23; p &lt; 0.05]. These results suggest an increased number of days of absence rate among the National Health Service healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Associations Between Active Commuting and Sickness Absence in Finnish Public Sector Cohort of 28 485 Employees.

Active commuting can be beneficial for health. We examined whether active commuting by walking or cycling was associated with a lower risk of sickness absence in a Finnish public sector cohort of 28 485 employees. We used negative binomial regression to test associations of weekly active commuting in kilometers (no, low, moderate, and high dose) with all-cause sickness absence. Sickness absence data from employers registers comprised the number of (1) sickness absence days, (2) short (1-9 days) and (3) long (≥ 10 days) sickness absence episodes during 12- and 24-month follow-ups. The models were adjusted for sociodemographic factors, lifestyle risk factors, and previous sickness absence. To demonstrate absolute risk, we calculated sex- and age-adjusted incidence for sickness absence per 100 person years for each active commuting exposure group. The associations of cycling and walking were additionally studied in separate analyses. Compared to passive commuters (no active commuting), high dose of active commuting (mean of 61 km/week) was associated with an 8%-12% lower relative risk of sickness absence days and an 18% lower relative risk of long episodes. The absolute rate of sickness absence per 100 person-years was up to 452 days and 10 long episodes lower in the high-dose active commuters group. In the further analyses separating cyclists and walkers, similar reduced risks were observed only among high-dose cyclists. Our findings suggest that regular active commuting by bicycle has potential for reducing sickness absence by reducing the risk of long sickness absence episodes.

Assessment of Hematological Toxicity of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in the Complex Therapy of Breast Cancer.

Within the framework of multicenter clinical studies of the original anticancer drug "Arglabin" in the complex therapy of breast cancer (BC) in an increased dose on the basis of the Regional Oncological Dispensary, Karaganda, 80 patients BC were examined and treated: 40 patients in the control group and 40 in the study group. The index of grade I anemia was higher in patients of the control group: in (15.6±6.42)% of patients with polychemotherapy (PCT) AC and in (6.9±4.7)% of patients with PCT according to the scheme AC+Arglabin (p<0.05). The inclusion of Arglabin to the AC regimen increases the rate of absence of toxicity to blood leukocytosis by 25.2% (69.0±8.6%) compared with the group of patients receiving APCT according to the AC regimen (43.8±8.8%); decrease in grade I leukopenia by 2.7 times (from 28.13±7.95% to 10.3±5.7%, p≤0.05); 2-fold decrease in grade 2 leukopenia (from 28.1±7.95% to 13.8±6.4%). The inclusion of Arglabin to the AC regimen in APCT in BC patients increases the rate of absence of toxicity to blood granulocytosis by 14.8% (67.9±8.8%) compared to the group of patients who received APCT according to the AC regimen (53.1±8.8%); a decrease in grade 2 granulocytopenia by 3.9 times (from 28.1±7.95% to 7.14±4.9%, p≤0.05). The inclusion of Arglabin to the adjuvant chemotherapy regimen eliminates the toxic effect of chemotherapy on erythrocytosis, leukocytosis and granulocytosis. No effect of arglabin on blood platelets indicators in breast cancer patients was revealed.

Indoor air quality and symptoms of acute respiratory infections and gastrointestinal issues in children and employees in day-care nurseries.

Children attending day-care centers (DCCs) experience more infections than those cared for at home and DCC employees have high sickness absence rates. This study aimed to investigate the association between indoor air quality (IAQ) and absenteeism among children and staff in DCCs. CO2 levels, relative humidity (RH), and temperature were continuously measured in 22 DCCs over three winter months. Simultaneously, absenteeism due to sickness was recorded for 721 children and 213 employees. In 11 DCCs, staff received training to improve ventilation. The median CO2 concentration, RH, and temperature were 818 ppm, 38.7%, and 20.8°C, respectively. Acute respiratory infections (ARI) accounted for 42% of child absenteeism and 53% of staff absenteeism, while gastrointestinal symptoms (GI) were responsible for 24.7% and 27.3% of absenteeism in children and staff, respectively. No significant association was found between ARI absenteeism and CO2 concentration, RH, or temperature. However, a significant association was observed between GI and room temperature (p<0.05). No significant differences in CO2 concentration or absenteeism were observed between intervention and control groups. No statistical evidence was found that ARI absenteeism was associated with the measured IAQ parameters. GI for staff and children was significantly associated with room temperature. Absenteeism was not associated significantly with targeted interventions.

Effects of employees living with an ‘arthritis’ on sickness absence and transitions out of employment: a comparative observational study in the UK

PurposeTo assess sickness absence and transitions from employment for employees with arthritis compared with employees without arthritis over time.MethodsWe use 10 waves of the UK Household Longitudinal Survey (2009–2019). The...

Phenotypic impact of CFTR mutations on male reproductive tract agenesis in a Chinese cohort with congenital absence of the vas deferens.

To investigate the genotype-phenotype correlations of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene mutations and their impact on male reproductive tract development in a cohort of Chinese patients with congenital absence of the vas deferens (CAVD). A total of 121 Chinese CAVD patients underwent genetic testing for CFTR and ADGRG2 mutations, semen analysis, scrotal and transrectal ultrasound examinations, and reproductive hormone measurements. The genotype-phenotype correlations were analyzed, focusing on the impact of CFTR variants on the presence or absence of the epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and other related structures. CFTR mutations were identified in 72.7% (88/121) of CAVD patients, with the IVS9-5T variant being the most prevalent (54.5%, 66/121). Six novel CFTR variants (CFTR: L218Ffs*15, V1007Ffs*40, V938M, A566V, S605P, H949P) were identified in Chinese men. Patients with CFTR homozygous IVS9-5T variants had a significantly lower rate of epididymal absence compared to those with one 5T and one non-5T variant or two non-5T variants (p = 0.016). Notably, patients carrying at least one non-5T variant were associated with an 8.17-fold increased risk of epididymal partial absence compared to those having the homozygous 5T mutation (95% confidence interval 1.52-59.58, p = 0.009). This study provides novel insights into the genotype-phenotype correlations of CFTR variants in Chinese CAVD patients, highlighting the differential impact of 5T and non-5T variants on male reproductive tract development. These findings provide additional information that may be helpful for genetic counseling, clinical management, and the development of personalized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for CAVD patients.

Randomized trial of BCG in healthcare workers to reduce absenteeism during the COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa.

We tested whether providing BCG vaccine to healthcare workers (HCWs) could reduce non-planned absenteeism and thereby reduce the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare systems in Africa. We conducted a multicenter, single-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial in Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique between December 2020 and June 2022. Participants were randomized 1:1 to BCG vaccine or placebo (saline) and followed by biweekly telephone calls for 6mo. The incidence of unplanned absenteeism due to illness was analyzed using Bayesian negative binomial regression yielding relative RRs. Secondary outcomes included infectious disease episodes, COVID-19 infection and all-cause hospitalizations. We enrolled 668 HCWs (Guinea-Bissau, n=503; Mozambique, n=165). The RR for absenteeism of BCG vs placebo was 1.29 (0.81 to 1.94) with comparable effects by country. No protection against infectious disease episodes (HR=1.18 [0.97 to 1.45]) or COVID-19 infection (HR=1.19 [0.80 to 1.75]) was observed. Two trial deaths (1 BCG, 1 control) were registered and nine admissions (3 BCG, 6 control), the all-cause admission HR being 0.51 (0.13 to 2.03). With 64% of the planned sample size and unplanned absenteeism rates lower than expected, BCG did not reduce self-reported absenteeism due to illness. Rather, BCG tended to increase the risk of self-reported absenteeism, infectious disease episodes and COVID-19 infections. This was a randomized control trial assessing non-specific effects of BCG vaccination in healthcare workers. There was no beneficial effect on self-reported absenteeism due to illness within 6mo of follow-up during the COVID-19 pandemic, but a trend towards fewer all-cause hospital admissions.

Antimicrobial prescribing practices and factors associated with antimicrobial prescribing in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Oyo state: A retrospective study.

Proportion of hospitalized COVID-19 patients receiving antimicrobial drug is significantly high despite evidence of low level of actual bacterial co-infection, potentially contributing to poor health outcome and global antimicrobial resistance. A retrospective study was performed on antimicrobial agents prescribed to adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted across three isolation facilities between 1 March 2020 and 30 April 2021 in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. From individual records, we evaluated patient demographics, COVID-19 risk factors, diagnostic testing, disease severity and antimicrobial utilization. The primary aim was to determine the prevalence of antimicrobial prescription as well as factors associated with antimicrobial prescribing in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Oyo state. In total, 271 patients were included in this study. The median age of the population was 51 years (IQR; 32-62 years). The mean duration of hospital admission was 13 days (IQR: 10-14 days). Majority of participants were symptomatic (81.5%). All participants had a COVID-19 PCR test performed and none had bacterial culture performed. All patients received antimicrobial therapy across the entire cohort. The mean DOT per LOT across cohorts was 1.2 for mild cases, 1.4 for moderate cases and 1.3 for severe cases. Factors associated with the number of antimicrobials per prescription were being single (P = 0.02), being below 60 years of age (P = 0.04), mild COVID-19 symptoms (P < 0.001) and diabetes comorbidity (P = 0.03). Given the high rate of antimicrobial prescription and absence of bacteriological culture analysis in these patients, there is risk of development and spread of antimicrobial resistant. Continuous review of antimicrobial prescription is critical in the management of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Educational outcomes of children with major congenital anomalies: Study protocol for a population-based cohort study using linked hospital and education data from England

Background Major congenital anomalies (CAs) affect around 2% of live births and are a primary cause of infant mortality, childhood morbidity and long-term disability, often requiring hospitalisation and/or surgery. Children with CAs are at greater risk of lower educational attainment compared with their peers, which could be due to learning disabilities, higher rates of ill-health and school absences, or lack of adequate educational support. Our study will compare the educational attainment of children with CAs to those of their peers up to age 11 in England, using linked administrative health and education data. Methods We will analyse data from the ECHILD (Education and Child Health Insights from Linked Data) database. Children born in NHS-funded hospitals from 1st September 2003 to 31st August 2008 whose hospital records were linked to their educational records at three Key Stages (ages 4/5, 6/7 and 10/11 years) will be included. Children with different CAs, indicated by recorded hospital diagnosis codes, will be compared to children without CAs. We will compare the proportions of enrolled children who take the assessment, the proportions who reached national expected levels of attainment, and the mean standardised attainment scores for Maths and English at each Key Stage. We will describe variations in outcome by sex, ethnic minority background, region, and neighbourhood deprivation, and perform regression modelling to compare the attainment trajectories of children with and without CAs, controlling for sociodemographic factors. Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval has been obtained for the analyses of the ECHILD database. Our findings will provide information for parents regarding their children’s expected academic potential, and also enable the development of interventions to support those at risk of not doing well. We will disseminate our findings to academics, policy makers, service users and providers through seminars, peer-reviewed publications, conference abstracts and other media (lay summaries and infographics).

Pengaruh Lingkungan Kerja dan Disiplin Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Guru SMP Negeri 2 Babakancikao Purwakarta

Human Resources, especially teachers, have a very large influence and are considered the main key in improving the quality of schools and educational goals. However, there is still a lack of collaboration and cooperation between teachers and between teachers and education staff, and the high rate of absenteeism without obvious reasons is also a significant problem that affects the continuity of learning. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of work environment and work discipline on teacher performance partially and simultaneously at SMP Negeri 2 Babakancikao Purwakarta. The research method used is a quantitative method with data collection techniques through observation, questionnaires and interviews. The sample used was 31 people (saturated sample). Data analysis using multiple linear regression data analyzer with the help of SPSS software version 26. The results of the study show that the work environment has no effect on teacher performance. Meanwhile, work discipline has an effect and is significant on employee performance. Simultaneous hypothesis testing shows that the work environment and work discipline together have a significant influence on teacher performance. This research has important implications for the development of management policies and practices in the educational environment. Good work discipline contributes positively to teacher performance and improves performance to achieve organizational goals..