Increase in Sickness Absence Due to Psychiatric Diagnoses in Norway
Author Information
Author(s): Gunnel Hensing, Lena Andersson, Sören Brage
Primary Institution: Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden
Hypothesis
What is the incidence of sickness absence with psychiatric diagnoses in Norway from 1994 to 2000, and how does it vary by gender, age, and region?
Conclusion
Sickness absence with psychiatric diagnoses increased between 1994 and 2000 in Norway, particularly among middle-aged women.
Supporting Evidence
- The cumulative incidence of sickness absence increased from 1.7% in 1994 to 4.6% in 2000 for women.
- For men, the cumulative incidence increased from 0.8% in 1994 to 2.2% in 2000.
- Women in Oslo had more than twice the incidence levels of sickness absence with alcohol and drug diagnoses compared to the national average.
Takeaway
More people in Norway are taking time off work because of mental health issues, especially women aged 30 to 59.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from a national sickness absence register, focusing on individuals aged 16-66 who were entitled to sickness benefits.
Potential Biases
Potential underreporting of psychiatric diagnoses on medical certificates.
Limitations
The study did not include individuals with full-time disability pensions and excluded sickness absence episodes shorter than 14 days.
Participant Demographics
The study included approximately 77% of the Norwegian population aged 16-66 years.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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