1
|
Alturkistani S. Correlation between chronic conditions and job absenteeism among healthcare administration employees at King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Work 2022; 75:349-355. [PMID: 36591687 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, chronic conditions are becoming more prevalent, both in general and within the workforce. Moreover, the appropriate workplace recognition and interventions are lacking for employees with chronic conditions, which may affect productivity and quality of work as a result of increased rates of absenteeism among such employees. OBJECTIVE The main objective was to examine the correlation between healthcare administrators' chronic conditions and job absenteeism at King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted at KAMC in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Data obtained from the responses of 225 administrative employees with a chronic condition working at KAMC. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics version 20. RESULTS The results of this study indicated that a significantly relationship exists between chronic heartburn, as well as other chronic conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, severe anemia, chronic fatigue, and high blood pressure or hypertension with employees' job absenteeism. CONCLUSION According to the obtained results, employees' chronic conditions have a significant impact on absenteeism. Therefore, we recommend that employers intervene to determine how employees' chronic conditions affect their health and prevent them from attending work. Providing workplace health and wellness programs within an organization can improve employee health, thereby reducing the rate of absenteeism and increase the rate of productivity in the working environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samahir Alturkistani
- Health Services and Hospitals Administration, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
López-Bueno R, Bláfoss R, Calatayud J, López-Sánchez GF, Smith L, Andersen LL, Casajús JA. Association Between Physical Activity and Odds of Chronic Conditions Among Workers in Spain. Prev Chronic Dis 2020; 17:E121. [PMID: 33034558 PMCID: PMC7553219 DOI: 10.5888/pcd17.200105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prevention of chronic conditions is a major public health challenge, and achieving minimum recommended levels of physical activity aids in reaching this objective. The aim of our study was to investigate whether levels of physical activity were associated with the prevalence of common chronic conditions among the Spanish workforce. METHODS We retrieved data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 (N = 9,695) in which the mean age of participants was 44.4 (standard deviation, 10.4 y), and 47.4% were women. Workers self-reported a set of 6 chronic conditions (ie, chronic low-back pain, chronic neck pain, diabetes, hypertension, depression, and anxiety), and we used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form to estimate physical activity. We performed multivariable logistic regression adjusted for possible confounders to assess associations between physical activity and chronic conditions. RESULTS The final adjusted model showed that performing less than 600 metabolic equivalent-minutes per week of physical activity was associated with significantly increased odds for chronic conditions (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07-1.30). Of the sex and age subgroups analyzed, this association was significant in men aged 17 to 44 (aOR = 1.21; 95% CI, 1.00-1.46). Among chronic conditions, low-back pain and anxiety were associated with low levels of physical activity, whereas covariates such as body mass index, smoking habits, education level, and occupational class had an important influence on the association between physical activity and chronic conditions. CONCLUSION Results suggest that achieving sufficient physical activity could reduce chronic conditions among Spanish workers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rubén López-Bueno
- Department of Physical Medicine and Nursing, University of Zaragoza, Domingo Miral, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain. E-mail: .,Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rúni Bláfoss
- Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Muscle Research Cluster, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Joaquín Calatayud
- Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Exercise Intervention for Health Research Group (EXINH-RG), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Lee Smith
- The Cambridge Centre for Sports and Exercise Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lars L Andersen
- Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - José A Casajús
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development Research Group, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Centre about Nutrition and Obesity Physiopathology (CIBER-OBN), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Occupational exposures and genetic susceptibility to occupational exposures are related to sickness absence in the Lifelines cohort study. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12963. [PMID: 32737337 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69372-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the association between occupational exposures and sickness absence (SA), the mediating role of respiratory symptoms, and whether genetic susceptibility to SA upon occupational exposures exists. Logistic regression was used to examine associations and structural equation modelling was used for mediation analyses. Genetic susceptibility was investigated by including interactions between occupational exposures and 11 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Biological dust, mineral dust, and pesticides exposure were associated with a lower prevalence of any SA (OR (95% CI) = 0.72 (0.58-0.89), 0.88 (0.78-0.99), and 0.70 (0.55-0.89), respectively) while gases/fumes exposure was associated with a higher prevalence of long-term SA (1.46 (1.11-1.91)). Subjects exposed to solvents and metals had a higher prevalence of any (1.14 (1.03-1.26) and 1.68 (1.26-2.24)) and long-term SA (1.26 (1.08-1.46) and 1.75 (1.15-2.67)). Chronic cough and chronic phlegm mediated the association between high gases/fumes exposure and long-term SA. Two of 11 SNPs investigated had a positive interaction with exposure on SA and one SNP negatively interacted with exposure on SA. Exposure to metals and gases/fumes showed a clear dose-response relationship with a higher prevalence of long-term SA; contrary, exposure to pesticides and biological/mineral dust showed a protective effect on any SA. Respiratory symptoms mediated the association between occupational exposures and SA. Moreover, gene-by-exposure interactions exist.
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In addition to acute health problems, various aspects of health behavior, work-related and sociodemographic factors have been shown to influence the rate of sickness absence. The aim of this study was to concomitantly examine factors known to have an association with absenteeism. We hypothesized the prevalence of chronic diseases being the most important factor associated with sickness absence. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. SETTING Occupational health care in the region of Pori, Finland. SUBJECTS 671 municipal employees (89% females) with a mean age of 49 (SD 10) years. Information about the study subjects was gathered from medical records, by physical examination and questionnaires containing information about physical and mental health, health behavior, work-related and sociodemographic factors. The number of sickness absence days was obtained from the records of the city of Pori. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The relationship of absenteeism rate with sociodemographic, health- and work-related risk factors. RESULTS In the multivariate analysis, the mean number of chronic diseases (IRR 1.24, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.36), work ability (IRR 0.83, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.91), and length of years in education (IRR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.95) remained as independent factors associated with absenteeism. CONCLUSION According to our results, chronic diseases, self-perceived work ability and length of years in education are the most important determinants of the rate of sickness absence. This implies that among working-aged people the treatment of chronic medical conditions is also worth prioritizing, not only to prevent complications, but also to avoid sickness absences. KEY POINTS Various sociodemographic, health- and work- related risk factors have been shown to influence sickness absence. The study aimed to find the most important determinants of absenteeism among several known risk factors in Finnish municipal employees. Chronic diseases, self-perceived work ability and education years remained as the most important determinants of sickness absence rates. Treatment of chronic medical conditions should be prioritized in order to reduce sickness absence rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiina Vuorio
- Department of Family Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland;
- CONTACT Tiina Vuorio Department of Family Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Yleislääketiede, 20014 Turun yliopisto, Finland and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Sakari Suominen
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku, Turku, Finland;
- School of Health and Education, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden;
| | - Hannu Kautiainen
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland;
- Unit of Primary Health Care, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Päivi Korhonen
- Department of Family Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland;
- Health Center of Harjavalta, Central Satakunta Health Federation of Municipalities, Harjavalta, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Relationship between symptom burden and disability leave among patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs): findings from the Living with MPN patient survey. Ann Hematol 2019; 98:1119-1125. [PMID: 30694363 PMCID: PMC6469835 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-019-03610-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) experience burdensome symptoms that negatively affect their quality of life. How MPN symptoms relate with medical disability leave (MDL) among patients with the disease has not been previously examined. Using data collected from the Living with MPNs patient survey, symptom burden and functional status were compared in patients who reported taking MDL due to their MPN versus patients who reported no changes in employment status. Among 592 patients who were employed full- or part-time at diagnosis, 24.8% reported taking ≥ 1 MDL and 49.4% reported no change in employment status as a result of their MPN. Of the patients who took MDL, 29.9% took ≥ 2 MDLs, and most patients (62.6%) did not return to work. All 10 symptoms comprising the MPN Symptom Assessment Form were significantly more frequent and severe in patients who took MDL compared with those who had no employment change. Furthermore, functional impairments were also significantly more frequent among patients who went on MDL versus those with no employment change. Effective management of MPN-related symptoms may reduce disability leave among patients with high symptom burden.
Collapse
|
6
|
Stendardo M, Casillo V, Schito M, Ballerin L, Stomeo F, Vitali E, Nardini M, Maietti E, Boschetto P. Forced expiratory volume in one second: A novel predictor of work disability in subjects with suspected obstructive sleep apnea. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201045. [PMID: 30024962 PMCID: PMC6053206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether the association of work disability with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is mainly due to the disease, i.e. the number and frequency of apneas-hypoapneas, or to coexisting factors independent from the disease, is not well-established. In this study, we aim to evaluate work ability in a group of subjects undergoing OSA workup and to identify the major contributors of impaired work ability. In a cross-sectional study, we enrolled 146 consecutive subjects who have been working for the last five years and referred to the sleep disorders outpatients' clinic of the University-Hospital of Ferrara, Italy, with suspected OSA. After completing an interview in which the Work Ability Index (WAI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaires were administered to assess work ability and excessive daytime sleepiness, respectively, subjects underwent overnight polysomnography for OSA diagnosing and spirometry. Of the 146 subjects, 140 (96%) completed the tests and questionnaires and, of these, 66 exhibited work disability (WAI < 37). OSA was diagnosed (apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 5) in 45 (68%) of the 66 subjects. After controlling for confounders, a lower level of forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1), [odds ratio 0.97 (95% CI 0.95-1.00)], older age [1.09 (95% CI 1.03-1.15)], excessive daytime sleepiness [3.16 (95% CI 1.20-8.34)] and a worse quality of life [0.96 (95% CI 0.94-1.00)], but not OSA [1.04 (95% CI 0.41-2.62)], were associated with work disability. Patients with a higher number of diseases, in which OSA was not included, and a lower quality of life had an increased probability of absenteeism in the previous 12 months. In subjects with suspected OSA, FEV1 can be an important predictor of work disability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Casillo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michela Schito
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Licia Ballerin
- Respiratory Unit, University-Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Stomeo
- Ear, Nose and Throat & Audiology Department, University-Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Emanuela Vitali
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Nardini
- Department of Prevention and Protection, University-Hospital and Public Health Service of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Maietti
- Center for Clinical and Epidemiological Research, University-Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Piera Boschetto
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nexo MA, Carlsen K, Pedersen J, Hetland ML, Watt T, Hansen SM, Bjorner JB. Long-term sickness absence of 32 chronic conditions: a Danish register-based longitudinal study with up to 17 years of follow-up. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e020874. [PMID: 29961016 PMCID: PMC6042549 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sickness absence has been used as a central indicator of work disability, but has mainly been examined in single diseases, with limited follow-up time. This study identified the risk of long-term sickness absence (LTSA) of 32 chronic disease groups in the first year after diagnosis and the subsequent years. SETTING We identified chronic disease groups prevalent in the work force (26 physical and 6 mental conditions) requiring all levels of care (primary, secondary, tertiary), by national registers of diagnoses from all hospital visits and prescribed medicine in Denmark from 1994 to 2011. PARTICIPANTS A general population sample within the working age range (18-59 years) was drawn by Statistics Denmark. Participants not working before and during the follow-up period were excluded. A total of 102 746 participants were included. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES HRs of transitions from work to LTSA of each of the chronic conditions were estimated in Cox proportional hazards models for repeated events-distinguishing between risk within the first (<1 year) and subsequent years of diagnosis (≥1 year) and an HR ratio (HRR): HR ≥1 year divided by HR <1 year. RESULTS Almost all the conditions were associated with significantly increased risks of LTSA over time. The risks were generally more increased in men than in women. Three main patterns of LTSA were identified across diseases: strong decreases of LTSA from the first to subsequent years (eg, stroke in men <1 year: HR=7.55, 95% CI 6.45 to 8.85; ≥1 year HR=1.43, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.74; HRR=0.23). Moderate or small decreases in LTSA (HRR between 0.46 and 0.76). No changes (HRR between 0.92 and 0.95) or increases in elevated risks of LTSA over time (HRR between 1.02 and 1.16). CONCLUSIONS The 32 chronic diseases were associated with three different risk patterns of LTSA over time. These patterns implicate different strategies for managing work disability over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mette Andersen Nexo
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Health promotion, Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Epidemiology, The National Research Center of the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kathrine Carlsen
- Department of Analyses, The Danish Working Environment Authority, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jacob Pedersen
- Department of Epidemiology, The National Research Center of the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Merete Lund Hetland
- COPECARE Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre of Head and Orthopaedics, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Torquil Watt
- Department of Medical Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sofie Mandrup Hansen
- Department of Epidemiology, The National Research Center of the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Social conditions, Statistics Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Bue Bjorner
- Department of Epidemiology, The National Research Center of the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Optum Patient Insight, Johnston, Rhode Island, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
The Associations of Multimorbidity With Health-Related Productivity Loss in a Large and Diverse Public Sector Setting: A Cross-Sectional Survey. J Occup Environ Med 2017; 60:528-535. [PMID: 29200192 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate absenteeism, presenteeism, and total lost productive time (LPT) associated with multimorbidity. METHODS Cross-sectional data from 3228 state-government employees from Tasmania were collected in 2013. The validated measures of absenteeism, presenteeism, and LPT were obtained from employees' self-reported data over a 28-day period. Analyses were stratified by sex. Negative binomial models were used to estimate the associations between multimorbidity and LPT. RESULTS The average health-related total LPT was 1.2 (standard deviation [SD] = 2.4) and 1.7 (SD = 3.5) days for men and women with multimorbidity, respectively. Women (rate ratio [RR] = 2.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8 to 4.9) and men (RR = 4.4, 95%CI 3.0 to 6.2) with 4+ chronic conditions were significantly more likely to report LPT compared with those without any chronic conditions. CONCLUSION We found multimorbidity is of concern within the workforce, with a positive association of multimorbidity and LPT observed, and significant differences in LPT between men and women reporting multimorbidity.
Collapse
|
9
|
Ubalde-Lopez M, Arends I, Almansa J, Delclos GL, Gimeno D, Bültmann U. Beyond Return to Work: The Effect of Multimorbidity on Work Functioning Trajectories After Sick Leave due to Common Mental Disorders. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2017; 27:210-217. [PMID: 27250634 PMCID: PMC5405093 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-016-9647-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Patients with common mental disorders (CMDs) often suffer from comorbidities, which may limit their functioning at work. We assessed the longitudinal impact of multimorbidity, defined as two or more co-occurring chronic health conditions, on work functioning over time among workers who had returned to work after sick leave due to CMDs. Methods Prospective cohort study of 156 workers followed for 1 year after return to work from sick leave due to CMDs. A multimorbidity score was computed by counting severity-weighted chronic health conditions measured at baseline. Work functioning was measured at baseline and at 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up with the Work Role Functioning Questionnaire. Work functioning trajectories, i.e. the course of work functioning after return to work over time, were identified through latent class growth analysis. Results A total of 44 % of workers had multimorbidity. Four work functioning trajectories were identified: one (12 % of the workers) showed increasing work functioning scores during follow-up, whereas the other trajectories showed low, medium and high scores (23, 41 and 25 %, respectively) that remained stable across time points. Although multimorbidity did not predict membership in any trajectory, within the increasing score trajectory levels of work functioning were lower among those with high baseline multimorbidity score (p < 0.001). Conclusions Over time, multimorbidity negatively impacts work functioning after return to work from sick leave due to CMDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Ubalde-Lopez
- CISAL-Center for Research in Occupational Health, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), Pompeu Fabra University, C/Dr. Aiguader, 80, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
- CIBERESP, CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health, Madrid, Spain.
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - I Arends
- Department Tranzo, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - J Almansa
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - G L Delclos
- CISAL-Center for Research in Occupational Health, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), Pompeu Fabra University, C/Dr. Aiguader, 80, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERESP, CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health, Madrid, Spain
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - D Gimeno
- CISAL-Center for Research in Occupational Health, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), Pompeu Fabra University, C/Dr. Aiguader, 80, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERESP, CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health, Madrid, Spain
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas School of Public Health, San Antonio Campus, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - U Bültmann
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ubalde-Lopez M, Delclos GL, Benavides FG, Calvo-Bonacho E, Gimeno D. Measuring multimorbidity in a working population: the effect on incident sickness absence. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2016; 89:667-78. [PMID: 26615549 PMCID: PMC4828479 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-015-1104-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Multimorbidity research typically focuses on chronic and common diseases in patient and/or older populations. We propose a multidimensional multimorbidity score (MDMS) which incorporates chronic conditions, symptoms, and health behaviors for use in younger, presumably healthier, working populations. METHODS Cross-sectional study of 372,370 Spanish workers who underwent a standardized medical evaluation in 2006. We computed a MDMS (range 0-100) based on the sex-specific results of a multicorrespondence analysis (MCA). We then used Cox regression models to assess the predictive validity of this MDMS on incident sickness absence (SA) episodes. RESULTS Two dimensions in the MCA explained about 80% of the variability in both sexes: (1) chronic cardiovascular conditions and health behaviors, and (2) pain symptoms, in addition to sleep disturbances in women. More men than women had at least one condition (40 vs 15%) and two or more (i.e., multimorbidity) (12 vs 2%). The MDMS among those with multimorbidity ranged from 16.8 (SD 2.4) to 51.7 (SD 9.9) in men and 18.5 (SD 5.8) to 43.8 (SD 7.8) in women. We found that the greater the number of health conditions, the higher the risk of SA. A higher MDMS was also a risk factor for incident SA, even after adjusting for prior SA and other covariates. In women, this trend was less evident. CONCLUSIONS A score incorporating chronic health conditions, behaviors, and symptoms provides a more holistic approach to multimorbidity and may be useful for defining health status in working populations and for predicting key occupational outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Ubalde-Lopez
- CISAL-Center for Research in Occupational Health, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Av Dr Aiguader, 88, PRBB building, 1st floor, Barcelona, Spain.
- CIBERESP, CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health, Madrid, Spain.
- IMIM (Institut Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - George L Delclos
- CISAL-Center for Research in Occupational Health, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Av Dr Aiguader, 88, PRBB building, 1st floor, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERESP, CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health, Madrid, Spain
- IMIM (Institut Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fernando G Benavides
- CISAL-Center for Research in Occupational Health, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Av Dr Aiguader, 88, PRBB building, 1st floor, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERESP, CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health, Madrid, Spain
- IMIM (Institut Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Calvo-Bonacho
- Ibermutuamur (Mutua de Accidentes de Trabajo y Enfermedades Profesionales de la Seguridad Social 274), Madrid, Spain
| | - David Gimeno
- CISAL-Center for Research in Occupational Health, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Av Dr Aiguader, 88, PRBB building, 1st floor, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERESP, CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health, Madrid, Spain
- IMIM (Institut Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas School of Public Health, San Antonio Campus, San Antonio, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|