Absenteeism Among Healthcare Workers: Job Grade and Other Factors That Matter in Sickness Absence

Overview

Journal Int J Environ Res Public Health

Publisher MDPI

Date 2025 Jan 25

PMID 39857580

Authors

Carine J Sakr

Lina M Fakih

Umayya M Musharrafieh

Ghassan M Khairallah

Maha H Makki

Rita M Doudakian

Hani Tamim

Carrie A Redlich

Martin D Slade

Diana V Rahme

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Absenteeism among healthcare workers (HCWs) disrupts workflows and hampers the delivery of adequate patient care. The aim of the study was to examine predictors of sick leaves among HCWs in a tertiary medical center in Lebanon.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of sick leaves linked to health records of 2850 HCWs between 2015 and 2018 was performed. Sick leave episodes were stratified by diagnosis. Bivariate and negative binomial regression analyses were performed to investigate predictors.

Results: The mean number of sick leave episodes was 10.6 per person over 4 years. The strongest predictor of higher sickness absenteeism was low job grade (IR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.39, 1.67). Female sex (IR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.14, 1.36), older age (IR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.08, 1.30), being married (IR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.11, 1.33), being a current smoker (IR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.11, 1.32), and having a history of selected medical conditions were all significant sick leave predictors.

Conclusion: Demographic, work-related, and health-related predictors are associated with the number of sick leave episodes. To address the health inequity, additional research should evaluate how some socio-economic factors determine poorer health outcomes and should guide approaches to address this crucial issue to protect the health and well-being of this key workforce.

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