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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 01-05-2018 | Original Article

Age differences in the association between stressful work and sickness absence among full-time employed workers: evidence from the German socio-economic panel

Authors: Simon Götz, Hanno Hoven, Andreas Müller, Nico Dragano, Morten Wahrendorf

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 4/2018

Abstract

Purpose

We aim to extend current knowledge on associations between stressful work and sickness absence, first, by studying associations between ERI and sickness absence among full-time employees from various occupations, and second, by investigating if associations vary by age.

Methods

We use data from four waves of the German socio-economic panel (GSOEP), collected among men and women between 2006 and 2012, with 9418 observations. Stressful work is measured with a short form of the ERI questionnaire. We investigate an imbalance between effort and reward (ER ratio) as well as the two main components (“high effort” and “low reward”). Sickness absence is measured by self-reported number of sickness days (assessed the following year). After descriptive analyses, we estimate a series of multivariable regressions, including tests for interactions between age and work stress.

Results

Each of the three indicators of stressful work is related to higher number of sickness days, with except of “high effort” in case of men. Findings remain significant after adjusting for social position (income, education and occupational class) and health. In addition, for both men and women, associations were slightly higher among older workers, though interactions did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Our findings support that stressful work is linked to sickness absence across a wide spectrum of jobs with varying incomes and educational levels, and also that associations are slightly more pronounced among older workers.

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Title: Age differences in the association between stressful work and sickness absence among full-time employed workers: evidence from the German socio-economic panel
Authors: Simon Götz
Hanno Hoven
Andreas Müller
Nico Dragano
Morten Wahrendorf
Publication date: 01-05-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 4/2018
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-018-1298-3

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Age differences in the association between stressful work and sickness absence among full-time employed workers: evidence from the German socio-economic panel

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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