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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 01-11-2017 | Original Article

The longitudinal association between multiple job holding and long-term sickness absence among Danish employees: an explorative study using register-based data

Authors: Stef Bouwhuis, Anne Helene Garde, Goedele A. Geuskens, Cécile R. L. Boot, Paulien M. Bongers, Allard J. van der Beek

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 8/2017

Abstract

Purpose

Multiple job holding (MJH) is common in many countries, but little is known about its (health) consequences. Our aim is to explore the longitudinal association between MJH and long-term sickness absence (LTSA) among Danish employees.

Methods

We included employees (N = 8968) who participated in the Danish Work Environment Cohort Study (DWECS), based on a representative sample of the Danish working population. Three dichotomous independent variables were created: MJH in general, combination MJH (i.e. second job as employee) and hybrid MJH (i.e. self-employed in second job). LTSA (≥5 weeks) was measured using the Danish Register for Evaluation of Marginalization during 78 weeks of follow-up. Potential confounders included demographics, health, and work characteristics. Logistic regression analyses were performed to study whether LTSA was associated with MJH in general, combination MJH, and hybrid MJH. Interaction effects for gender, age, total working hours per week (≤37 or >37 h a week), and shift work were tested.

Results

In total, 11.7% (N = 1048) of the respondents reported having multiple jobs and 7.6% (N = 678) experienced LTSA during follow-up. After adjustment for confounders, no significant association between LTSA and MJH in general (OR = 0.82), combination MJH (OR = 0.81), or hybrid MJH (OR = 0.83) was found. Among employees working more than 37 h per week, combination MJH was associated with a higher likelihood of LTSA (OR = 1.50).

Conclusions

We did not find evidence for an increased likelihood of LTSA among multiple job holders. Future research should study the likelihood of LTSA among subgroups of multiple job holders, e.g. those working long hours.

Number of employed persons with a second job divided by total number of employed persons.

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Title: The longitudinal association between multiple job holding and long-term sickness absence among Danish employees: an explorative study using register-based data
Authors: Stef Bouwhuis
Anne Helene Garde
Goedele A. Geuskens
Cécile R. L. Boot
Paulien M. Bongers
Allard J. van der Beek
Publication date: 01-11-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 8/2017
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-017-1243-x

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The longitudinal association between multiple job holding and long-term sickness absence among Danish employees: an explorative study using register-based data

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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