Self-reported Working Conditions Research Articles

Comprehensive evaluation of the impact of workplace exposures on physician-certified sick leave in the general working population

BackgroundOur objective was to quantify the prospective associations between work factors across chemical, physical, mechanical, and psychosocial domains and the onset of medically certified sick leave.MethodsEligible respondents were interviewed in 2009, 2013, or 2016 and were registered in the national sick leave register with an employee relationship lasting more than 50 working days during the year of the survey interviews and the following year (n = 15,294 observations). To focus on the onset of high-level sick leave (HLSL; >16 days a year), we excluded individuals with HLSL during the survey year (baseline). We then used mixed-effect logistic regression models to assess prospective associations between self-reported work conditions and the occurrence of doctor-certified HLSL in the following year.ResultsThe average occurrence of HLSL was 13.1%. After adjusting for sex, age, level of education, chronic health problems, and smoking, we observed an exposure-response relationship between cumulative exposure to work factors within all domains and the occurrence of HLSL. When evaluating the impact of combined exposures, predicted odds ratios (OR) for employees exposed to 1, 2, and 3 or more work factors within all domains were 1.60 (95%CI 1.32 − 1.94), 2.56 (95%CI 1.73 − 3.74) and 4.09 (95%CI 2.28 − 7.25), compared to those not exposed.ConclusionsThe results support the notion that exposure to multiple work factors in various domains, including psychosocial, mechanical, chemical, and physical work conditions, is associated with an increased risk of high-level sick leave. Employers and occupational health professionals should consider the joint impact of these domains when designing interventions.

Health-promoting work schedules among nurses and nurse assistants in France: results from nationwide AMADEUS survey

BackgroundThe study aimed to investigate the relationship between different work schedules and self-reported working conditions and health risk behaviours among nurses and nurse assistants (NNA) in France. It hypothesized that work schedules, particularly long shifts, could impact work-life balance, workload, stress levels, burnout, and smoking habits. NNA had the option to work either with a 7-hour schedule, 5 days per week, or with long work schedules consisting of ten to twelve-hour shifts, three days per week. These schedules could potentially influence various aspects of their professional lives.MethodsThe survey followed the guidelines of the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Statement and was administered to NNA working in public and private national healthcare facilities in France. The researchers used the Job Content Questionnaire to assess the work environment and the French version of the 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) scale to measure burnout.ResultsA total of 3,133 NNA participated in the study, including 2,369 nurses (75.6%) and 764 nurse assistants (24.4%). Among them, 1,811 individuals (57.8%) followed a 7-hour work schedule, while 1,322 individuals (42.2%) had a long work schedule. Multivariate analyses revealed that NNA working with long schedules reported higher psychological demands, more frequent burnout, a higher number of daily smoked cigarettes, and greater coffee consumption. These findings were independent of other factors such as sector of employment, type of healthcare facility, job status, work schedules, night shifts, department specialty, age, and family responsibilities.ConclusionsWhile some NNA may choose long schedules to have more days off, those working with these schedules experience greater work-related burdens and engage in worse health risk behaviours as a coping mechanism. It emphasizes the importance of considering health-promoting work schedules to address the high psychological demands and burnout experienced by NNA with long schedules. Implementing changes in work schedules could potentially improve the overall well-being and job satisfaction of these healthcare professionals.

Occupational characteristics and epigenetic aging among older adults in the United States

ABSTRACT Occupational characteristics have been studied as risk factors for several age-related diseases and are thought to impact the ageing process, although there has been limited empirical work demonstrating an association between adverse occupational characteristics and accelerated ageing and this prior work has yielded mixed results. We used the 2010 and 2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (n = 1,251) to examine the association between occupation categories and self-reported working conditions of American adults at midlife and their subsequent epigenetic ageing as measured through five epigenetic clocks: PCHorvath, PCHannum, PCPhenoAge, PCGrimAge, and DunedinPACE. We found that individuals working in sales/clerical, service, and manual work show evidence of epigenetic age acceleration compared to those working in managerial/professional jobs and that the associations were stronger with second- and third-generation clocks. Individuals reporting high stress and high physical effort at work showed evidence of epigenetic age acceleration only on PCGrimAge and DunedinPACE. Most of these associations were attenuated after adjustment for race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and lifestyle-related risk factors. Sales/clerical work remained significantly associated with PCHorvath and PCHannum, while service work remained significantly associated with PCGrimAge. The results suggest that manual work and occupational physical activity may appear to be risk factors for epigenetic age acceleration through their associations with socioeconomic status, while stress at work may be a risk factor for epigenetic age acceleration through its associations with health behaviours outside of work. Additional work is needed to understand when in the life course and the specific mechanisms through which these associations occur.

Aging on the Job? The Association Between Occupational Characteristics and Accelerated Biological Aging.

There is a common belief that demanding jobs can make workers age faster, but there is little empirical evidence linking occupational characteristics to accelerated biological aging. We examine how occupational categorizations and self-reported working conditions are associated with expanded biological age, which incorporates 22 biomarkers and captures physiologic dysregulation throughout several bodily systems. Data are from 1,133 participants in the Health and Retirement Study who were aged 51-60 and working for pay in the 2010 or 2012 wave and who participated in the 2016 Venous Blood Study. We estimate associations between occupational category (professional/managerial, sales/clerical, service, and manual) and self-reported working conditions (psychosocial demands, job control, heavy lifting, and working 55 or more hours per week) and expanded biological age. Compared to same-age individuals working in professional or managerial positions, those working in service jobs appear 1.65 years older biologically even after adjusting for social and economic characteristics, self-reported working conditions, health insurance, and lifestyle-related risk factors. Low job control is associated with 1.40 years, heavy lifting with 2.08 years, and long working hours with 1.87 years of accelerated biological aging. Adverse occupational characteristics held at midlife, particularly service work, low job control, heavy lifting, and long work hours, are associated with accelerated biological aging. These findings suggest that work may be important for the overall aging process beyond its associations with specific diseases or risk factors.

Psychosocial working conditions and chronic low-grade inflammation in geriatric care professionals: A cross-sectional study.

BackgroundChronic low-grade inflammation has been suggested as a key factor in the association between stress exposure and long-term health. Care work is recognized as a profession with a high degree of job stress and health risks. However, for care professionals, the study base on inflammatory activity due to adverse working conditions is limited.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore associations between self-reported psychosocial working conditions and care professionals’ biomarkers of systemic low-grade inflammation.MethodsN = 140 geriatric care professionals (79.3% females, mean age = 44.1 years) of six care facilities were enrolled in a cross-sectional study consisting of standardized medical examinations and employee surveys. Standardized questionnaires were used for evaluation of psychosocial work characteristics (work overload, job autonomy, social support) based on Karasek’s job strain model. Blood samples were drawn for two biomarkers of inflammatory activity: C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocyte count. Analyses comprised uni- and multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses.ResultsWe determined a proportion of 5.4% of care professionals with increased low-grade inflammation. We further observed a relationship between job autonomy and CRP, such that reports of high job autonomy were associated with increased levels of CRP (adjusted OR = 4.10, 95% CI [1.10, 15.26], p = .035), which was robust in additional analyses on further potential confounders. No significant associations with participants’ leukocyte numbers were found.ConclusionsThis exploratory study contributes to the research base on links between workplace stress and ensuing illness in care professionals. Our findings may help to identify risk and protective factors of the work environment for chronic low-grade inflammation. The results require further scrutiny, and future prospective studies on associations of psychosocial working conditions, low-grade inflammation and long-term health outcomes in care professionals are needed.

Risk factors associated with hand tractor related injuries among rice farmers in Thailand

Hand tractors are important machines used in the soil preparation process before sowing rice in the paddy’s of Thailand. Previous research on injuries in rice farming indicated that working with a hand tractor may be one of main causes of injuries. This study investigated the prevalence of hand tractor-related injuries, their association risk factors and characteristic of injuries. The data were collected by face-to-face interview to 377 farmers from nearly all districts in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. Among these rice farmers, the prevalence of injury was 41%. The most common type of injury was cuts (43.9%) and the most common source of injuries was stepping on a golden apple snail shell (33.1%). The bivariate Poisson regression models showed that self-reported normal working conditions that were associated with the risk of injury included sleeping problems (RR = 1.39), “Hustle Work (working quickly to complete plowing)” (RR = 1.48), feeling fatigue before work (RR = 1.60), and normal use of a leveler as attached plow equipment (RR = 1.41). However, a multivariate model showed only normal use of a leveler as attached equipment was associated with an increased use of injuries (RR = 1.47) after controlling for the other factors that were significant in the bivariate models. These results suggest that job stress protection should be recommended or redesign of the leveler attachment developed for hand tractors used in rice paddy fields.

Associations between stressful working conditions and psychosomatic symptoms among Palestinian nurses: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundStressful working conditions among nurses have adverse effects on their physical and mental health. We investigated associations between self-reported stressful working conditions and psychosomatic symptoms among nurses in the Hebron district, occupied Palestinian Territory, and whether there are differences the sexes in the perceptions of working conditions and psychosomatic symptoms. MethodsWe did a cross-sectional survey between Oct 7 and Dec 10, 2012, among registered nurses in all health sectors in Hebron district. A nine-point ordinal scale of working conditions was used to categorise perception of stress as low, medium, or high, and seven psychosomatic symptoms were recorded on a checklist coded as never (0), seldom (1), occasionally (2), or often (3), allowing for a total score between 0 and 21. All analyses were done with STATA (version 10). P values of less than 0·05 were significant. Participation in the study was voluntary, and written informed consent was obtained from each participant. The study was approved by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics, Norway. Permission to do the study was obtained from the Palestinian Ministry of Health. FindingsAmong 372 eligible nurses, ten were on extended leave from work, 16 declined to participate, and four had incomplete data, giving a final sample of 342 nurses (92% response rate). 212 (62%) were women and 130 (38%) were men. Low levels of stress were reported by 42 (12%) nurses, medium levels by 206 (60%), and high levels by 94 (28%). The mean score of psychosomatic symptoms for the group was 10·4 (SD 4·02, range 0–21). Scores did not differ significantly between men and women. Mean symptom scores differed between nurses with self-reported highly stressful working conditions and those with low levels of stress (12.6 vs 8.4, difference 4·1, 95% CI 2·7–5·5; p<0·001). Among male nurses, those with self-reported highly stressful working conditions had a mean psychosomatic symptom score of 13.0, compared with that was 7.7 among those working in low-stress conditions (difference 5·3 units, p<0·001). This effect remained significant after adjustment for the covariates age, education, number of children, work schedule, and years of experience (12·6 vs 7·7, difference 4·9 units, 95% CI 2·6–7·2). Among female nurses, the scores among those with high-stress working conditions was 12.4 and for those with low-stress working conditions was 9.0 (difference 3·4 units, p<0·001). After adjustment the difference remained similar (12·4 vs 9·0, difference 3·5 units, 95% CI 1·7–5·3, p<0·001). InterpretationWe found that psychosomatic symptoms increased as self-reported perception of stressful working conditions increased, irrespective of sex. The study had a cross-sectional design and both exposure and outcomes were measured using self-report and, therefore, interpretation of the results should be made with caution. Longitudinal epidemiological studies are recommended. Future studies should investigate whether stressful working conditions affect the quality of patients’ care in health services. FundingNorwegian Programme for Development, Research and Education.

Work and Functional Limitations for Older Workers: Does Measurement Make a Difference?

Social scientists have become increasingly interested in strenuous jobs as contributors to health inequality over the life course. Physically demanding work at later ages is of particular interest because it can have implications for retirement decisions, physical functioning, and disability, and strenuous jobs are prevalent among lower-income and minority older workers. Many studies have relied on occupational characteristics from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), but few have assessed how these measures compare to self-reported occupational characteristics in terms of identifying social gradients in exposure and predicting future health outcomes. Using data from 16,683 respondents of the Health and Retirement Study, we obtained self-reported and O*NET measurements of general physical activity, frequency of lifting objects, and frequency of stooping/crouching required in the jobs they held at first interview. Pearson correlation coefficients revealed moderate correlations between the self-reported items and corresponding O*NET items. Though they are measured on different scales, both the self-reported and O*NET measures of physical demands revealed similar racial/ethnic and gender gradients in exposure to physically strenuous work. Lastly, we fit a series of random effects Poisson models to assess how these measures predict accumulation of functional limitations, a health outcome thought to result in part from strenuous working conditions. We found that while models using self-reported working conditions have the best fit with the data, models using the corresponding items in O*NET have comparable goodness-of-fit. These results suggest that, in the absence of self-reported physical occupational characteristics, O*NET characteristics provide a reasonable alternative.

Working in preschool increases the risk of hearing-related symptoms: a cohort study among Swedish women

PurposeTo assess whether working in preschools increases the risk of hearing-related symptoms and whether age, occupational noise, and stressful working conditions affect the risk.MethodsQuestionnaire data on hearing-related symptoms were analysed in women aged 24–65 (4718 preschool teachers, and 4122 randomly selected general population controls). Prevalence and risk ratio (RR) of self-reported hearing loss, tinnitus, difficulty perceiving speech, hyperacusis and sound-induced auditory fatigue were assessed by comparing the cohorts in relation to age and self-reported occupational noise and stressful working conditions (effort–reward imbalance and emotional demands). RR was calculated using log-binomial regression models adjusted for age, education, income, smoking, hearing protection, and leisure noise. Incidence rates and incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated for retrospectively reported onset of all symptoms except sound-induced auditory fatigue.ResultsCompared to the controls, preschool teachers had overall more than twofold RR of sound-induced auditory fatigue (RR 2.4, 95% confidence interval 2.2–2.5) and hyperacusis (RR 2.3, 2.1–2.5) and almost twofold for difficulty perceiving speech (RR 1.9, 1.7–2.0). Preschool teachers had a threefold IRR of hyperacusis (IRR 3.1, 2.8–3.4) and twofold for difficulty perceiving speech (IRR 2.4, 2.2–2.6). Significantly although slightly less increased RR and IRR were observed for hearing loss and tinnitus. RR and IRR were generally still increased for preschool teachers when stratified by age and occupational exposure to noise and stress.ConclusionsThis large cohort study showed that working as preschool teacher increases the risk of self-reported hearing-related symptoms, indicating a need of preventative measures.

Self-reported work conditions in Canada: examining changes between 2002 and 2012.

To examine changes in self-reported work conditions over a 10-year time period in Canada, as measured using two comparable cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2002 and 2012. Population-based data were obtained from the Canadian Community Health Survey. Work conditions (psychosocial work conditions, work hours, work demands, job satisfaction) were measured using the same modules across survey cycles. Regression models provided estimates for trends in work conditions, adjusting for differences in socio-demographic and survey administration characteristics over time. We observed changes in self-reported work conditions across cycles, including higher levels of co-worker/supervisor support and job security; lower levels of psychological demands; and increases in shorter/regular workhours over time. These findings were consistent in both the base and adjusted models. Although skill discretion, decision authority, and job satisfaction improved over time in our base models, these findings were attenuated towards the null in adjusted models. Respondents in 2012 had a greater odds of reporting a physically demanding work environment compared to 2002. Differential time trends were observed by geographic region. Our study found improvements in some self-reported measures of the psychosocial work environment in Canada over time. These changes were not accounted for by socio-demographic or survey administration differences across survey cycles. Despite these overall trends, absolute levels of some work conditions have not changed. Given the relevance of work conditions as a determinant of health, a continued focus on improving all aspects of the work environment should remain a public health priority to improve the health of working-aged Canadians.

Japanese workers with long leisure time have deteriorated periodontal condition: A cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe relationship between length of leisure time and periodontal condition is unknown. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to clarify the association between leisure time and periodontal states. MethodsThis study was conducted on a cross-sectional sample of male (n=68) and female (n=30) Japanese healthy workers aged between 22 and 75 years. Periodontal states, including probing pocket depth, attachment level, bleeding on probing and serum antibody level for periodontal bacteria, and self-reported work conditions were assessed. ResultsSubjects with long leisure times on a weekday showed increased probing pocket depth and attachment loss compared to subjects with shorter free times. The serum antibody level of a major periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis, was higher in the long leisure group than in the short time group. ConclusionsSubjects with long leisure time showed aggregated periodontal condition consistent with increased serum antibody against periodontal bacteria compared to subjects with short free time.

Psychosomatic symptoms and stressful working conditions among Palestinian nurses: a cross-sectional study

Background: High levels of perceived stressful working conditions have been found to have an adverse effect on physical and mental health. Objectives: To examine the associations between self-reported stressful working conditions and Psychosomatic Symptoms (PSS), and to investigate possible gender differences. Methods: The present cross-sectional study comprises 430 nurses employed in Hebron district, Palestine. Self-reported stressful working conditions were recorded, and a Psychosomatic Symptoms Check list was used to assess prevalence of PSS. Findings: Median score on the psychosomatic symptom checklist for the group was 11, (range 1–21). Women reported more symptoms than men, with medians 11.6 and 10.0, respectively (p = .0001). PSS were associated with more self-reported stressful working conditions for both men (p < .0001) and women (p < .0001). The association was strongest among men. Conclusions: PSS were associated with high self-reported stressful working conditions, and this association was strongest among the men.

Factors associated with pharmacists' perceptions of their working conditions and safety and effectiveness of patient care.

In recent years, the role of pharmacists has changed, as have various provincial legislations, which now allow pharmacists to provide additional health services to patients. With these changes comes growing concern about how well the current pharmacy working environment is adapting and whether it may also be creating work-related stress that may contribute to potentially unsafe practices of patient care. To characterize the current working conditions of pharmacists in British Columbia, an online survey was developed and distributed to all College of Pharmacists of BC (CPBC) registrants by email. The survey consisted of questions on pharmacists' demographics, practice setting and perceptions of workplace conditions. Responses were collected from October 1 to November 10, 2013. All data were summarized using descriptive statistics, and regression models were constructed to assess the association between various factors and pharmacists' self-reported working conditions. Twenty-three percent (1241/5300) of pharmacists registered with the CPBC responded, with 78% working in the community pharmacy setting (58% chain, 19% independent). Pharmacists mostly disagreed with the statements that they had enough time for breaks or lunches or to do their jobs, as well as enough staffing support. Pharmacists' perceptions of their workplace environment were negatively associated with workplace-imposed advanced service quotas (for medication reviews, immunizations and prescription adaptations); being employed at chain store pharmacies, compared to independent pharmacies or hospitals/long-term care settings; and higher prescription volume. Pharmacists working in chain community pharmacies who are required to meet monthly quotas for expanded services reported a substantial negative impact on their working conditions and perceived safety of patient care. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2016;149:xx-xx.

Mental Health of Elementary Schoolteachers in Southern Brazil: Working Conditions and Health Consequences

The mental health of educators is a growing problem in many countries. This study sought to identify self-reported stressful working conditions of elementary schoolteachers and the biopsychosocial consequences of those working conditions and then identify working conditions that promote well-being for teachers in the workplace. Exploratory study was done with 37 teachers. Data collection was performed using a structured interview with a questionnaire. Results show that stressful working conditions are related to inadequate salary, an excessive number of activities, and having to take work home. Biopsychosocial consequences include anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders. There was a statistically significant association between inadequate salary and anxiety (p = 0.01) and between an excessive number of activities and stress (p = 0.01). Teachers reported that a good relationship among colleagues is a working condition that promotes well-being in the workplace. The identification of stressful working conditions for teachers, the biopsychosocial consequences, and working conditions that promote well-being in the workplace are relevant to determining actions that improve the work environment and, consequently, the health of teachers.

Study protocol for examining job strain as a risk factor for severe unipolar depression in an individual participant meta-analysis of 14 European cohorts

Previous studies have shown that gainfully employed individuals with high work demands and low control at work (denoted "job strain") are at increased risk of common mental disorders, including depression. Most existing studies have, however, measured depression using self-rated symptom scales that do not necessarily correspond to clinically diagnosed depression. In addition, a meta-analysis from 2008 indicated publication bias in the field. This study protocol describes the planned design and analyses of an individual participant data meta-analysis, to examine whether job strain is associated with an increased risk of clinically diagnosed unipolar depression based on hospital treatment registers. The study will be based on data from approximately 120,000 individuals who participated in 14 studies on work environment and health in 4 European countries. The self-reported working conditions data will be merged with national registers on psychiatric hospital treatment, primarily hospital admissions. Study-specific risk estimates for the association between job strain and depression will be calculated using Cox regressions. The study-specific risk estimates will be pooled using random effects meta-analysis. The planned analyses will help clarify whether job strain is associated with an increased risk of clinically diagnosed unipolar depression. As the analysis is based on pre-planned study protocols and an individual participant data meta-analysis, the pooled risk estimates will not be influenced by selective reporting and publication bias. However, the results of the planned study may only pertain to severe cases of unipolar depression, because of the outcome measure applied.

Study protocol for examining job strain as a risk factor for severe unipolar depression in an individual participant meta-analysis of 14 European cohorts

Background: Previous studies have shown that gainfully employed individuals with high work demands and low control at work (denoted “job strain”) are at increased risk of common mental disorders, including depression. Most existing studies have, however, measured depression using self-rated symptom scales that do not necessarily correspond to clinically diagnosed depression. In addition, a meta-analysis from 2008 indicated publication bias in the field. Methods: This study protocol describes the planned design and analyses of an individual participant data meta-analysis, to examine whether job strain is associated with an increased risk of clinically diagnosed unipolar depression based on hospital treatment registers. The study will be based on data from approximately 120,000 individuals who participated in 14 studies on work environment and health in 4 European countries. The self-reported working conditions data will be merged with national registers on psychiatric hospital treatment, primarily hospital admissions. Study-specific risk estimates for the association between job strain and depression will be calculated using Cox regressions. The study-specific risk estimates will be pooled using random effects meta-analysis. Discussion: The planned analyses will help clarify whether job strain is associated with an increased risk of clinically diagnosed unipolar depression. As the analysis is based on pre-planned study protocols and an individual participant data meta-analysis, the pooled risk estimates will not be influenced by selective reporting and publication bias. However, the results of the planned study may only pertain to severe cases of unipolar depression, because of the outcome measure applied.

Study protocol for examining job strain as a risk factor for severe unipolar depression in an individual participant meta-analysis of 14 European cohorts

Background: Previous studies have shown that gainfully employed individuals with high work demands and low control at work (denoted “job strain”) are at increased risk of common mental disorders, including depression. Most existing studies have, however, measured depression using self-rated symptom scales that do not necessarily correspond to clinically diagnosed depression. In addition, a meta-analysis from 2008 indicated publication bias in the field.Methods: This study protocol describes the planned design and analyses of an individual participant data meta-analysis, to examine whether job strain is associated with an increased risk of clinically diagnosed unipolar depression based on hospital treatment registers. The study will be based on data from approximately 120,000 individuals who participated in 14 studies on work environment and health in 4 European countries. The self-reported working conditions data will be merged with national registers on psychiatric hospital treatment, primarily hospital admissions. Study-specific risk estimates for the association between job strain and depression will be calculated using Cox regressions. The study-specific risk estimates will be pooled using random effects meta-analysis.Discussion: The planned analyses will help clarify whether job strain is associated with an increased risk of clinically diagnosed unipolar depression. As the analysis is based on pre-planned study protocols and an individual participant data meta-analysis, the pooled risk estimates will not be influenced by selective reporting and publication bias. However, the results of the planned study may only pertain to severe cases of unipolar depression, because of the outcome measure applied.

Do self-reported psychosocial working conditions predict low back pain after adjustment for both physical work load and depressive symptoms? A prospective study among female eldercare workers

ObjectivesTo investigate whether psychosocial working conditions predict the development of low back pain (LBP) in female eldercare workers while adjusting for physical workload and depressive symptoms.MethodsWe investigated risk for developing...

Examining the Relationship Between Psychosocial Working Conditions, Physical Work Demands, and Leisure Time Physical Activity in Canada

To examine the effects of psychosocial working conditions and physical work demands on leisure time physical activity (LTPA). Using path analysis, direct and indirect effects of self-reported working conditions on LTPA levels were assessed in a representative sample of 4167 workers from the 2000 to 2001 Canadian National Population Health Survey. Higher levels of skill discretion and decision latitude were associated with higher LTPA. Physical work demands had opposite effects among men versus women, and skill discretion had a stronger effect among women than among men. Job security had a stronger effect on older workers and those without children younger than 13 years. The results support the influence of the work environment on LTPA and suggest that certain work conditions should be targeted in future interventions seeking to impact participation in physical activity.

Is an expert diagnosis enough for assessment of sick leave for employees with musculoskeletal and mental disorders?

Purpose. The aim of this study is to determine differences in self-reported work ability, work conditions, health and function between ICD-10 groups with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), mental disorders (MDs) and MSD ++ MD and to determine which variables are associated with sick leave.Method. A cross-sectional study of 210 employees was conducted at an occupational health service unit. Physiotherapists and physicians classified the employees' health problems according to ICD-10 and the employees answered a questionnaire with questions on demographic variables, health, functioning, work ability and work conditions.Results. Forty-four per cent of the employees had MSD, 22%% had MD and 34%% had a MSD ++ MD. The group on sick leave had worse results for all health and work measures. Belonging to the MD group, belonging to the MSD ++ MD group, having poor work ability and functioning were associated with being on sick leave. The value for the model explaining being on sick leave was 0.63 (Nagelkerke R2).Conclusions. Having a diagnosis of MD based on a professional opinion and having poor work ability and functioning based on self-reports are associated with being on sick leave. The results suggest that self-reported data could be used to complement the expert-based diagnosis.