Sickness Absence and Self-Reported Health in Sweden
Author Information
Author(s): Eriksson Hans-G, Celsing Anna-Sophia, Wahlström Rolf, Janson Lotta, Zander Viktoria, Wallman Thorne
Primary Institution: R&D Centre/Centre for Clinical Research, Sörmland County Council
Hypothesis
Individuals with long-term sickness absence would report more symptoms and lower self-rated health.
Conclusion
Individuals with long-term sickness absence reported more symptoms and lower self-rated health than those who had not been absent at all.
Supporting Evidence
- Approximately 40% of individuals at work mentioned that they had been absent due to illness sometime during the past year.
- Two thirds of those who had been absent for 90 days or more were women.
- Every fifth woman and every fourth man in the group with a sickness absence of more than 89 days rated their health as poor or very poor.
Takeaway
People who are sick for a long time feel worse and have more health problems than those who are not sick.
Methodology
Data was obtained through a postal survey questionnaire answered by a random population sample of men and women aged 18–84 years.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on self-reported data.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported data and had a response rate of only 65%.
Participant Demographics
The study included 19,826 individuals aged 18–64 years, with a response rate of 65%.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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