Identifying workers at risk of sickness absence by questionnaire

Background Sickness absence is an important economic problem, because of high costs and lost productivity. Determining factors associated with increased risk of sickness absence may lead to the development of preventive measures.

Aims To determine whether self-report questionnaires can identify those employees at risk of sickness absence.

Methods Prospective study of 238 healthy administrative workers. Participants completed a questionnaire proven to be valid and consistent. The questionnaire consisted of 116 items about health, work and working conditions. Sickness absence was followed-up for a period of 1 year.

Results The questionnaires of 191 workers (80%) were suitable for analysis. The number of reported health complaints was significantly (P <0.01) associated with sickness absence (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.32-3.61). Concentration problems were correlated with more frequent absences, and both nervous complaints and coping problems with longer duration. Age (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.93-0.99; P = 0.02) and job insecurity (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.47-0.98; P = 0.04) were negatively associated with sickness absence. Psychosocial and physical work factors were not associated with sickness absence.

Conclusions Questionnaires on health and work can identify employees at future risk of sickness absence. Workers who report multiple health complaints, especially concentration problems, nervous complaints or coping problems, may be at increased risk of sickness absence.