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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-05-2012 | Original Article

Acts of offensive behaviour and risk of long-term sickness absence in the Danish elder-care services: a prospective analysis of register-based outcomes

Authors: Thomas Clausen, Annie Hogh, Vilhelm Borg

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 4/2012

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate associations between acts of offensive behaviour (threats, violence, bullying, and unwanted sexual attention) and risk of long-term sickness absence for eight or more consecutive weeks among female staff in the Danish elder-care services.

Methods

These associations were investigated using Cox regression analysis. Data consisted of a merger between Danish survey data collected among 9,520 female employees in the Danish elder-care services and register data on sickness absence compensation.

Results

Compared to unexposed employees, employees frequently exposed to threats (HR = 1.52, 95% CI:1.11–2.07), violence (HR = 1.54, 95% CI:1.06–2.25), and bullying (HR = 2.33, 95% CI:1.55–3.51) had significantly increased risk of long-term sickness absence when adjusting for age, job function, tenure, BMI, smoking status, and psychosocial work conditions. When mutually adjusting for the four types of offensive behaviours, only bullying remained significantly associated with risk of long-term sickness absence (HR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.50–3.42). No significant associations were found between unwanted sexual attention and risk for long-term sickness absence.

Conclusions

Results indicate that prevention of threats, violence, and bullying may contribute to reduced sickness absence among elder-care staff. The results furthermore suggest that work organizations must be attentive on how to handle and prevent acts of offensive behaviour and support targets of offensive behaviours.

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Title: Acts of offensive behaviour and risk of long-term sickness absence in the Danish elder-care services: a prospective analysis of register-based outcomes
Authors: Thomas Clausen
Annie Hogh
Vilhelm Borg
Publication date: 01-05-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 4/2012
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-011-0680-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Acts of offensive behaviour and risk of long-term sickness absence in the Danish elder-care services: a prospective analysis of register-based outcomes

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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