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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 01-04-2021 | Original Article

Associations of sustained smoking and smoking cessation with work-related outcomes: a longitudinal analysis

Authors: Sigrid A. Troelstra, Cécile R. L. Boot, Janneke Harting, Goedele A. Geuskens, Anton E. Kunst, Allard J. van der Beek

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 3/2021

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the association between sustained smoking and quitting with work-related outcomes among older workers.

Methods

We categorized a sample of older employees into non-smokers, sustained smokers and quitters. Multivariable regression models were used to test longitudinal associations of sustained smoking and smoking cessation with sickness absence, productivity loss and work ability.

Results

We included 3612 non-smokers, 673 sustained smokers and 246 quitters. Comparing sustained smokers to non-smokers, we found higher (but not statistically significant) sickness absence for sustained smokers [1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) − 0.16–2.17]. We did not find differences in productivity loss (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.60–1.13) and work ability (0.05, 95% CI −0.05–0.15). For employees with a relatively high physical health at baseline, comparing quitters to sustained smokers, we found higher (but not statistically significant) productivity loss for quitters (OR 2.23, 95% CI 0.94–5.31), and no difference in sickness absence (0.10, 95% CI − 2.67–2.87), and work ability (− 0.10, 95% CI − 0.36–0.16). For employees with a relatively low physical health at baseline, comparing quitters to sustained smokers, we found a statistically significant lower work ability (− 0.31, 95% CI − 0.57–0.05), and no difference in sickness absence (2.53, 95% CI − 1.29–6.34) and productivity loss (OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.66–2.39).

Conclusions

We found no evidence that sustained smokers have less favorable work-related outcomes than non-smokers or that quitters have more favorable work-related outcomes than sustained smokers. The benefits of smoking cessation for employers might take a longer time to develop.

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Title: Associations of sustained smoking and smoking cessation with work-related outcomes: a longitudinal analysis
Authors: Sigrid A. Troelstra
Cécile R. L. Boot
Janneke Harting
Goedele A. Geuskens
Anton E. Kunst
Allard J. van der Beek
Publication date: 01-04-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 3/2021
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-020-01598-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Associations of sustained smoking and smoking cessation with work-related outcomes: a longitudinal analysis

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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