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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 01-07-2021 | Original Article

Predictors of working days lost due to sickness absence and disability pension

Authors: Rahman Shiri, Aapo Hiilamo, Ossi Rahkonen, Suzan J. W. Robroek, Olli Pietiläinen, Tea Lallukka

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 5/2021

Abstract

Objective

To identify social and health-related predictors of the number of days lost due to sickness absence (SA) and disability pension (DP) among initially 55-year-old public-sector workers.

Methods

The data from the Finnish Helsinki Health Study included participants aged 55 years at the baseline (in 2000–2002, N = 1630, 81% women), and were enriched with register-based information on SA and DP. The cumulative number of calendar days lost due to SA ≥ 1 day or DP between ages 55 and 65 was calculated. Negative binomial regression model was used to identify the predictors of days lost.

Results

The average calendar days lost was 316 days (about 220 working days) during a 10-year follow-up, and 44% were due to SA and 56% due to DP. Smoking [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.19, 95% CI 1.01–1.40 for past and IRR = 1.30, CI 1.07–1.58 for current], binge drinking (IRR = 1.22, CI 1.02–1.46), lifting or pulling/pushing heavy loads (IRR = 1.35, CI 1.10–1.65), awkward working positions (IRR = 1.24, CI 1.01–1.53), long-standing illness limiting work or daily activities (IRR = 2.32, CI 1.93–2.79), common mental disorder (IRR = 1.52, CI 1.30–1.79), and multisite pain (IRR = 1.50, CI 1.23–1.84) increased the number of days lost, while high level of education (IRR = 0.66, CI 0.52–0.82) and moderate level of leisure-time physical activity (IRR = 0.80, CI 0.67–0.94) reduced the number of days lost.

Conclusions

Modifiable lifestyle risk factors, workload factors, common mental disorder, and multisite pain substantially increase the number of days lost. However, the findings of this study could be generalized to female workers in the public sector. Future research should also consider shorter SA spells in estimating working years lost and working life expectancy.

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Title: Predictors of working days lost due to sickness absence and disability pension
Authors: Rahman Shiri
Aapo Hiilamo
Ossi Rahkonen
Suzan J. W. Robroek
Olli Pietiläinen
Tea Lallukka
Publication date: 01-07-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 5/2021
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-020-01630-6

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Predictors of working days lost due to sickness absence and disability pension

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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