Work Functioning Impairment Scale Research Articles

Presenteeism and Traffic Accident Among Taxi Drivers: A Prospective Cohort Study in Japan

BackgroundTraffic accidents involving professional drivers have serious societal repercussions. Unique occupational stressors and health risks exacerbate the likelihood of traffic accidents among professional drivers. This study explores the association between presenteeism—impaired work performance due to working while unwell—and traffic accident risk among professional taxi drivers in Japan. MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted from June 2022 to February 2023, involving taxi drivers from a single company in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Presenteeism was assessed using the Work Functioning Impairment Scale (WFun). Primary outcome involved the number of self-reported minor traffic accidents. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) of minor traffic accident occurrences was estimated using a Poisson regression analysis, adjusted for confounders including sex, age, and driving experience. ResultsOf 838 targeted drivers, 435 were included in the analysis. Higher baseline work functioning impairment was associated with a significant trend of increasing IRR of minor traffic accidents (p for trend = 0.045). A dose-response relationship was seen between the degree of presenteeism and incidence rate of minor traffic accidents. ConclusionHigher levels of presenteeism were associated with an increased risk of traffic accidents among taxi drivers. The findings underscore the need for socio-economic support and prioritized health management to mitigate traffic accident risk among professional drivers. This study highlights the importance of managing non-critical health issues alongside serious health conditions for safer driving practices among professional drivers in Japan.

Effectiveness of physical therapy on physical activity and employment status in kidney transplant recipients in their sixties: a case report with literature review

BackgroundFew reports have been published on preoperative and long-term postoperative rehabilitation after kidney transplantation. Poor physical function after kidney transplantation is associated with adverse events; hence, physical function should be improved postoperatively. We report a case in which physical therapy was provided just before the operation and 12 months postoperatively to improve physical performance.Case presentationA 64-year-old man, working as a janitor and maintenance worker at a driving school, received a living-donor kidney transplant from his wife. The just before the operation assessment revealed a decline in his physical function, indicating he had become frail. Accordingly, physical therapy was initiated prior to kidney transplantation. Subsequently, his Short Physical Performance Battery score improved from 10 to 12, and his knee extension muscle strength improved from 0.38 to 0.43 kgf/kg, enabling him to resume work. The work functioning impairment scale improved from 13 to 7.ConclusionsThis case reveals that just before the operation and long-term rehabilitation is crucial in enhancing physical activity in kidney transplantation patients. Although this focused rehabilitation approach holds promise, evaluating its efficacy requires the examination of a larger cohort of cases.

Prevalence and associated factors of work impairment among geriatricians during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan.

This study investigated work impairment and its associated factors among geriatricians during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This cross-sectional study was carried out using an anonymous online survey questionnaire administered to members of the Japanese Geriatric Society between October and December 2022. The questionnaire included questions regarding psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), fear of COVID-19 (Fear of COVID-19 Scale) and work impairment (Work Functioning Impairment Scale). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to determine the factors associated with work impairment. Causal mediation analyses were performed to delineate the relationship between work impairment, psychological distress and fear of COVID-19. The analytic sample included 386 geriatricians, and work impairment was observed in 24.8% of them. Work impairment was associated with age, prefecture where the institution was located and fear of COVID-19. Mediation analysis showed that the effect of fear of COVID-19 on work impairment was almost completely mediated by psychological distress. During the COVID-19 pandemic, work impairment was commonly observed among geriatricians. We found that fear of COVID-19 might cause work impairment; however, this effect was exerted entirely through psychological distress. This implies that interventions to prevent or reduce work impairment among doctors should mainly target psychological distress; however, the fear of COVID-19, if it causes psychological distress, should also be addressed. Managers of hospitals and long-term care facilities must take steps to protect healthcare workers' mental well-being and maintain work productivity. Therefore, understanding the factors related to work impairment might help them devise effective measures. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 215-220.

A prospective cohort study of presenteeism and increased risk of unemployment among Japanese workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Presenteeism adversely affects workers' quality of life, leading to further deterioration of their health and affecting their ability to continue working. Unemployment is one of the most serious consequences for workers experiencing presenteeism. A worker's ability to work depends on the degree of mismatch between their health status and job demands and work factors. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected workers' experiences of presenteeism as well as their employment status. We examined the association between presenteeism and risk of job resignations and unemployment among Japanese workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. A prospective study of 27 036 internet monitors was conducted, starting in December 2020, with 18 560 (68.7%) participating in the follow-up by December 2021. The Work Functioning Impairment Scale (WFun) was used to measure the degree of work function impairment. The group with the highest WFun scores had higher odds ratios (ORs) for both retirement and unemployment for health reasons than the group with the lowest WFun scores. ORs were 2.99 (95% CI, 2.48-3.62; P < .001) and 1.82 (95% CI, 1.65-2.00; P < .001), respectively. Workers with work functioning impairment are at increased risk of resignation or unemployment. Management strategies for workers with work functioning impairment are needed to reduce their disadvantages in employment.

The association of positive emotions with absenteeism and presenteeism in Japanese workers

BackgroundNegative emotions such as depression have been associated with increased absenteeism and presenteeism, contributing to substantial economic loss. However, no study has investigated if positive emotions such as happiness influence absenteeism and presenteeism. MethodsUsing data from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey (JACSIS), a nationwide survey conducted in September–October 2022 (n = 19,214), we investigated if two major, representative positive emotions (happiness and gratitude) are associated with absenteeism and presenteeism. Absenteeism was defined as reporting more than one day of sick leave in the past one month. Presenteeism was measured with the Work Functioning Impairment Scale. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios. Results12.4 % and 21.8 % of subjects reported absenteeism and presenteeism, respectively. Logistic regression estimated that after adjusting covariates, happiness was associated with lower odds of absenteeism (OR = 0.792, 95 % CI [0.706, 0.888]) and presenteeism (OR = 0.531, 95 % CI [0.479, 0.588]) while gratitude was associated with lower odds of presenteeism only (OR = 0.705, 95 % CI [0.643, 0.774]). Furthermore, simultaneous presence of both happiness and gratitude was associated with further lower odds of presenteeism (OR = 0.385, 95%CI [0.338, 0.439]), indicating a synergetic relation. DiscussionThis study is the first to investigate the association between positive emotions and absenteeism and presenteeism. Given the substantial economic loss due to absenteeism and presenteeism, strategies to enhance positive emotions are necessary.

Impact of menopausal symptoms on presenteeism in Japanese women.

Menopausal symptoms are common among middle-aged women. Working women with severe menopausal symptoms are more likely to experience presenteeism-a condition where employees continue to work despite feeling unwell. However, it remains unclear as to which specific symptoms women experience during the menopausal transition and postmenopausal periods that primarily contribute to presenteeism. To evaluate the associations between types of menopausal symptoms and presenteeism among Japanese women. A cross-sectional study of 4000 women aged 40-59 years who were currently working was conducted in Japan in September 2022. We used an online self-administered questionnaire that included items on demographic characteristics, the Menopause Rating Scale for measuring menopausal symptoms and the Work Functioning Impairment Scale for measuring presenteeism. Logistic regression analysis was performed. Women with severe overall menopausal symptoms had 12.18-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.09-16.33, P < 0.001) increased odds of presenteeism compared with those without symptoms. Participants with psychological symptoms also had significantly higher presenteeism (severe: odds ratio: 9.18, 95% CI 6.60-12.78, P < 0.001). However, after controlling for psychological symptoms, there were no significant associations between somatic and urogenital symptoms and presenteeism. The results indicate that menopausal symptoms, especially psychological symptoms, have a significant impact on presenteeism among Japanese women. Organizations need to address menopausal symptoms in the workplace, with an emphasis on reducing work-related stress for women with menopausal symptoms.

Factors affecting presenteeism in workers with nocturnal hemodialysis: A two-center cross-sectional study.

Presenteeism and work dysfunction in dialysis patients should be assessed to improve disease management and work productivity. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors surrounding presenteeism and work dysfunction in workers with nocturnal hemodialysis. This multicenter cross-sectional study included 42 workers with nocturnal hemodialysis. Presenteeism was measured in patients using the Work Functioning Impairment Scale (WFun), employment status, exercise habit, and exercise self-efficacy (SE). The WFun score was 12.5 ± 6.3 points, and patients with mild presenteeism were 12 (28.6%), moderate was 2 (4.8%), and severe was 1 (2.4%). Multiple regression analysis, which was adjusted for few confounding factors, showed that WFun had a significant relationship with lower exercise SE (r = -0.32) and normalized protein catabolism rate (r = 0.31). Working patients with nocturnal hemodialysis had presenteeism and a significant correlation with exercise SE and nPCR. This study provides a framework to prevent work dysfunction in nocturnal hemodialysis patients.

Presenteeism in front-line physicians involved in COVID-19-related clinical practice: a national survey of employed physician members of the Japan Medical Association.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have increased the rate of presenteeism among front-line physicians. Presenteeism is the term used to describe attendance at work despite ill health that would normally prompt rest or absence from work. This study aimed to examine the associations between COVID-19 clinical practice and presenteeism among physicians. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to January 2022. The questionnaires were distributed to 21,737 employed physicians who were members of the Japan Medical Association. Presenteeism was measured by the Work Functioning Impairment Scale. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between COVID-19 clinical practice and presenteeism. Overall, 3,968 participants were included in the analysis, and presenteeism was observed in 13.9% of them. The rate of presenteeism significantly increased with both the number of COVID-19 patients treated and the percentage of work time spent treating these patients (both P values for trend < 0.001). In comparison to those not currently engaged in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, presenteeism was significantly higher among front-line (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-2.53) and second-line physicians supporting those in the front-line (aOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.17-1.78). There was no association between involvement in COVID-19 vaccination services and presenteeism. The burden on front-line and second-line physicians in COVID-19 clinical practice must be minimized. Employed physicians also need to recognize the importance of communicating with their workplaces about presenteeism.

Health and Work Performance Consequences of Working From Home Environment: A Nationwide Prospective Cohort Study in Japan.

The physical work environment while working from home (WFH) is a key component of WFH, which, if inadequate, can impair workers' health and work functioning. We investigated environmental factors in WFH and worsening of work functioning. A 1-year prospective cohort study was conducted involving 2530 Japanese workers who worked from home. Environment while WFH was assessed using binary subjective assessments based on existing guidelines. Existence of impaired work function was assessed using the Work Functioning Impairment Scale. We performed multilevel logistic regression analysis nested in the prefecture of residence. Lack of room/space for concentration, lack of enough light and foot space, inadequate temperature and humidity, and use of a sitting table were associated with work functioning impairment. An inappropriate environment while WFH can have a negative impact on workers' health.

How Much Does Presenteeism Change in Response to Interventions or Alterations in Health Status? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Using the COSMIN Methodology.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to estimate the extent to which measures of presenteeism among workers change in response to alterations in health status induced by treatment or natural history. Methods We searched eight databases in August 2020 for studies published since 2012 measuring presenteeism longitudinally. Two independent reviewers screened the titles, abstracts, and full-text articles and performed data extraction. Studies were stratified into longitudinal studies using presenteeism as an outcome and measurement studies designed to test the responsiveness of presenteeism measures. We appraised the methodological quality of the measurement studies using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) risk of bias checklist. Standardized response means (SRMs) for interventional studies where participants reported improvement on anchor measures were quantitatively pooled.Results Our searches returned 2882 results. Eleven measurement studies and 126 longitudinal studies were included. Of the measurement studies (n = 2625 participants), 7 had adequate study quality and 4 studies were deemed doubtful. Anchors and responsiveness methods varied considerably. Our estimate of responsiveness from 5 measurement studies and 4 presenteeism measures is an SRM of 0.85 (95% CI 0.77, 0.92) and Cohen's d of 0.54 (95% CI 0.49, 0.58), translating to an average important change of 17/100. For deterioration, the value is -17/100. Conclusions We found considerable variation regarding how responsiveness data was reported in measurement studies. There is evidence that responsiveness is strong for four presenteeism measures: the Work Productivity Survey, the Work Functioning Impairment Scale, the Work Role Functioning Questionnaire, and the Nurses Work Functioning Questionnaire.

A Prospective Cohort Study of Presenteeism and Increased Risk of Divorce Among Japanese Workers.

We examined the association between the presenteeism and the risk of divorce among Japanese workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. A prospective study of 27,036 individuals was conducted starting in December 2020, with 18,560 (68.7%) participating in the follow-up in December 2021. The Work Functioning Impairment Scale (WFun) was used to measure the degree of work function impairment. Compared with the group with the lowest WFun score, the odds ratio for the group with moderate WFun was 1.16 (95% confidence interval, 0.74 to 1.82; P = 0.525), and the odds ratio for the group with the highest WFun was 1.76 (95% confidence interval, 1.18 to 2.62; P = 0.006). This study suggests that supporting workers with presenteeism has important implications not only from the perspective of labor productivity in management but also for the individual's quality of life in terms of family relationships.

Association of Preference and Frequency of Teleworking with Work Functioning Impairment: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study of Japanese Full-Time Employees.

We examined whether teleworking preference and frequency were associated with work functioning impairment. This online cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire among 27,036 full-time Japanese workers. The Work Functioning Impairment Scale was used to measure work functioning impairment, and we performed multilevel logistic regression analysis. Higher odds ratios for work functioning impairment were observed among employees who preferred to telework compared with those who preferred working in the workplace. A similar trend was observed among employees who teleworked four or more days a week compared with those who almost never teleworked. When teleworking preference and frequency were adjusted, only teleworking preference was associated with work functioning impairment. A preference for teleworking was associated with work functioning impairment and one factor that increased the teleworking frequency.

Investigation of presenteeism, physical function, and exercise habits in workers with CKD: three case reports with literature review

Management of presenteeism in the context of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is essential for disease management, ensuring the workforce’s availability, and reducing health-related costs. The purpose of this case study was to investigate presenteeism, physical function, and exercise habits in three working patients with CKD and discuss their effects. Case 1 was a 71-year-old male security guard; Case 2 was a 72-year-old male agricultural worker; and Case 3 was an 83-year-old male civil engineering employee. Presenteeism was measured using the work functioning impairment scale (WFun), and physical function was measured using grip strength, skeletal muscle mass index, 10 m walk test, short physical performance battery, and exercise habits. The WFun assessment showed that only Case 3 had moderate presenteeism, and the barrier to employment was fatigue. Each value of physical function was higher than the reference value, but Case 3 had the lowest physical function values. All three patients had no exercise habits and were in the interest stage of behavior change. This case report indicates the existence of workers with CKD who need care for presenteeism, even if they have no problems with physical function or activities of daily living. To ensure work productivity in workers with CKD, clinicians may need to evaluate presenteeism, physical function, and exercise habits in addition to popular treatment and care.

A prospective cohort study of presenteeism and poverty among Japanese workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ObjectivesThis study examined the association of presenteeism with experiences of poverty among Japanese workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsA prospective cohort study of Japanese workers was conducted using an Internet monitoring survey. The baseline survey was conducted in December 2020, and a follow‐up survey in December 2021. Of the 27 036 workers who participated, 18 560 (68.7%) completed the follow‐up survey. The 11 081 who reported that they were not in financial difficulty in the baseline survey were included in the analysis. The degree of work functioning impairment was assessed at baseline using the Work Functioning Impairment Scale (WFun). Households' experience of not being able to pay for food and clothing was identified in the follow‐up survey. The odds ratios (ORs) of presenteeism determined by WFun associated with poverty were estimated using a multilevel logistic model. The multivariate model included age, sex, marital status, job type, income, education, smoking, alcohol consumption, number of employees in the workplace, and the incidence rate of COVID‐19 by prefecture at baseline.ResultsIn the multivariate model, the odds ratio of experiencing food insecurity increased with high WFun score: compared with WFun scores of 13 or less, the OR was 1.87 (95% CI: 1.43–2.43, P < .001) for WFun scores of 14 or more and 3.26 (95% CI: 2.58–4.12, P < .001) for WFun scores of 21 or more.ConclusionsIn addition to labor productivity, the adverse effects of presenteeism on social security‐related concerns such as poverty require further attention.

Associations between job and workplace factors, health and physical factors, personal factors, and presenteeism among general employees in Japan: A longitudinal study.

ObjectivePresenteeism is gaining attention as an occupational health issue in Japan. However, few studies have longitudinally examined the associations between work‐ and health‐related factors and presenteeism using validated instruments in Japan. Drawing on a theoretical framework, we aimed to examine longitudinal associations between job and workplace factors, health and physical factors, personal factors, and presenteeism among Japanese general employees. We also aimed to use the findings to identify educational factors to reduce presenteeism in the Japanese occupational field.MethodsWe conducted two surveys (T1: conducted 2019; T2: conducted 2020) in a Japanese food‐related company using a self‐administered questionnaire. Presenteeism was assessed using a work functioning impairment scale (WFun). We used multiple linear regression analysis to examine the associations between each factor at T1 and presenteeism at T2.ResultsA total of 2914 employees completed the T1 survey (response rate: 55.7%) and 1467 completed the T2 survey. Thus, we analyzed data for 1467 employees. Of these, 1038 (70.8%) were men and 886 (60.4%) were aged over 40 years at T1. The mean presenteeism score at T2 was 15.06 (standard deviation: 6.22). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that job demands, self‐rated health status, dietary choices, and health literacy were associated with presenteeism after 1 year.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that job demands, self‐rated health status, dietary habits, and health literacy were associated with higher degree of presenteeism in future. Further intervention studies focusing on these factors are needed to develop and examine effective interventions to reduce presenteeism in Japan.

Relationship Between Psychosocial Work Environment Factors and Presenteeism Among Workers With Diarrhea/Constipation Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship of diarrhea/constipation symptoms with presenteeism and psychosocial work environment factors. This study analyzed 16,975 workers of 10 Japanese companies. Presenteeism was measured using a work functioning impairment scale. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (cis) for the relationship between diarrhea/constipation and presenteeism were estimated using a logistic model, adjusting for the psychosocial work environment. Diarrhea/constipation symptoms were related to presenteeism. This relationship was weakened, but remained significant after adjusting for psychosocial work environment factors. Diarrhea and constipation, which are highly prevalent in the workplace, are important pathological factors for presenteeism. Presenteeism can be partially suppressed by improving the psychosocial work environment.

Disrupted care during the COVID-19 state of emergency and productivity loss attributed to presenteeism in workers: a nationwide cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused medical care delays and avoidance around the globe. However, little is known about the relationship between disrupted care and productivity loss attributed to presenteeism during...

Association Between the Physical Work Environment and Work Functioning Impairment While Working From Home Under the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japanese Workers.

To examine the relationship between the physical work environment and work function while working from home (WFH). A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data from 5760 workers who worked from home at least 1 day a month were analyzed. The physical work environment while WFH was used as an exposure factor. The presence of work functioning impairment was measured using Work Functioning impairment Scale (WFun). Mixed-effects logistic regression was used with the prefecture of residence as a random effect. Work functioning impairment was significantly associated with a "No" response to recommended environments. The highest odds ratio (OR) of work functioning impairment was associated with a "No" response to "There is enough light to do my work" (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.73 to 2.35, P < 0.01). Improving work environments may prevent negative health effects and improve productivity while WFH.

Association between social jetlag and presenteeism in Japanese industry: A cross-sectional study

Research suggests that misalignment of the biological clock and social time, referred to as social jetlag (SJL), can induce physical and mental disorders. SJL may also be associated with presenteeism (i.e., a state in which workers are unable to perform sufficiently due to mental and physical health problems, even though they are going to work). However, the association between SJL and presenteeism among workers in Japan remains unclear. This study aimed to verify the following hypotheses in a sample of workers in an industrial setting in Japan: "Workers exhibiting SJL have a high degree of work functioning impairment due to presenteeism" and "An association between SJL and presenteeism exists, even when taking work style and sleep-related factor into consideration." A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted with 1,573 workers in the manufacturing industry. Of these, 1,501 participants responded (response rate: 95.4%). Individuals who provided invalid answers or used alarm clocks to wake on work-free days were excluded, according to the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ) guidelines. The final sample comprised 980 participants (80.7% male; average age: 44.4 [SD 11.3] years). SJL was assessed using the MCTQ. Presenteeism was measured using the work functioning impairment scale. Using presenteeism as the dependent variable, we conducted hierarchical multiple regression analyses to compare the explanatory power of the different models. Independent variables were SJL, daily rest period between workdays, weekday sleep duration, and subjective insomnia. Models 2 and 3 were adjusted for age, sex, employment position, occupation, employment status, and working regulations. Multiple regression analyses indicated that SJL was significantly and individually associated with presenteeism (β = .066, p = .038). After adjusting for work- and sleep-related variables (Models 2 and 3), SJL no longer contributed significantly to presenteeism. In the final model, daily rest periods (β = .076, p = .017) and subjective insomnia (β = .470, p < .001) remained significantly associated with presenteeism (adjusted R2 = .239). The hypothesis "Workers experiencing SJL have a high degree of work functioning impairment due to presenteeism" was supported in our univariate analysis. However, after considering the influence of subjective insomnia and daily rest periods, the association disappeared. Therefore, a direct relationship between SJL and presenteeism is not supported. Thus, the risk of presenteeism should be considered in two stages, first confirming the perception of insomnia among workers who experience SJL, and then considering the possibility of presenteeism occurring.

Relationship between impaired work function and coping behaviors in workers with low back pain.

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to clarify the relationship between work functional impairment levels and three coping behaviors of workers with low back pain, which were about seeking medical attention, taking over‐the‐counter drugs, and taking self‐care.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study on 14 Japanese companies in 2016. Work function impairment was measured using the Work Functioning Impairment Scale. Logistic regression analyses were conducted for the three coping behaviors and odds ratios (ORs) calculated for work functional impairment levels.ResultsWe analyzed 2232 subjects; 226 were women and 790 worked on production lines. 688 workers had sought medical attention, 436 had taken over‐the‐counter medication, and 1225 had engaged in self‐care. Those seeking medical attention were associated with severe work function impairment compared with no work function impairment (adjusted OR = 2.84, 95% confidence interval: 1.82–4.45, p < .001). We observed a trend for the association between over‐the‐counter drug use with high levels of work function impairment (adjusted OR: 1.19 for low, 1.35 for moderate, 1.65 for severe). There was no apparent relationship between self‐care and the degree of work functional impairment.ConclusionIn workers with low back pain, severe work functional impairment may promote medical attention and over‐the‐counter medication use, but it would not encourage self‐care, such as stretching or exercise. Therefore, workplaces need to provide special support to help them take care of themselves. Therefore, it is desirable to provide good support for self‐care in the workplace.