Multilevel analysis of workplace and individual risk factors for long-term sickness absence.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to examine if psychosocial and physical work-environment factors predict long-term sickness absence (>8 weeks) at both the individual and the workplace level.


METHODS
Data were collected in a prospective study in 52 Danish workplaces. Psychosocial factors were aggregated as workplace means. We used multilevel logistic regression models with psychosocial factors as predictors of long-term sickness absence over 5 years based on data from a national absence register.


RESULTS
Long-term sickness absence was predicted by physical work-environment factors at the individual level and psychosocial work environment factors at the workplace level. Interaction between the individual physical and workplace-level psychosocial risk factors was found.


CONCLUSIONS
Workplace-based absence reduction interventions can be enhanced by concurrently addressing the individual and the workplace level.
Labriola
Merete
M
National Institute of Occupational Health, Copenhagen, Denmark. mla@ami.dk
Christensen
Karl B
KB
Lund
Thomas
T
Nielsen
Martin Lindhardt
ML
Diderichsen
Finn
F
D000041:Absenteeism; D000328:Adult; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012042:Registries; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support