Hypertension and sickness absence: the role of perceived symptoms.
The association between perceived symptoms and absenteeism was examined in five groups of employed adults: normotensives, unaware hypertensives, aware and untreated hypertensives, aware and treated hypertensives, and falsely aware normotensives. Aware hypertensives (untreated and treated) and falsely aware normotensives had a higher average of perceived symptoms than normotensives, whereas unaware hypertensives had lower. The absenteeism rate across the groups showed a similar pattern. A significant interaction of perceived symptoms by study group on absenteeism was uncovered. Hypertensives and falsely aware normotensives who reported a low level of symptoms were not absent more than their normotensive counterparts. However, aware hypertensives and falsely aware normotensives who perceived a high symptoms level showed higher absenteeism than unaware hypertensives and normotensives with a similar level. This suggests that aware hypertensives have a greater tendency than both normotensives and unaware hypertensives to equate their symptoms with ill health and to act accordingly. Special attention should be directed to aware hypertensives who perceive a threat to their health.
Melamed
S
S
Occupational Health and Rehabilitation Institute, Loewenstein Hospital, Raanana, Israel.
Froom
P
P
Green
M S
MS
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000523:psychology*; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D018582:Sick Leave