Health, psychosocial and workplace characteristics may identify nurses and midwives at risk of high absenteeism

摘要

Implications for practice and research: More research is needed into the relationship between mental health and absenteeism, to find ways to reduce sickness absence among nurses and midwives. Characteristics of individuals reporting mental health days may be used for interventions to promote well-being and prevent future sickness absence. Context: Sickness absence is a major problem for society, and is higher among health professionals compared with workers in other industries. Work stress could be a predictor of sickness absence and mental health problems. Studies on psychosocial work factors among nurses have shown that working conditions and job satisfaction affect absenteeism. Methods to identify employees at risk of sickness absence are needed to be able to lower absenteeism rates, thereby benefiting the individuals at risk and reducing economic costs for organisations.