Measuring presenteeism: which questionnaire to use in physical activity research?
BACKGROUND
An emerging area of interest in workplace health is presenteeism; the measurable extent to which physical or psychosocial symptoms, conditions and disease adversely affect the work productivity of those who choose to remain at work. Given established links between presenteeism and health, and health and physical activity, presenteeism could be an important outcome in workplace physical activity research. This study provides a narrative review of questionnaires for use in such research.


METHODS
Eight self-report measures of presenteeism were identified. Information regarding development, constructs measured and psychometric properties was extracted from relevant articles.


RESULTS
Questionnaires were largely self-administered, had 4-44 items, and recall periods ranging from 1 week to 1 year. Items were identified as assessing work performance, physical tolerance, psychological well-being and social or role functioning. Samples used to test questionnaires were predominantly American male employees, with an age range of 30-59 years. All instruments had undergone psychometric assessment, most commonly discriminant and construct validity.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on instrument characteristics, the range of conceptual foci covered and acceptable measurement properties, the Health and Work Questionnaire, Work Ability Index, and Work Limitations Questionnaire are suggested as most suitable for further exploring the relationship between physical activity and presenteeism.
School of Human Movement Studies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Helen Elizabeth
HE
Brown
Nicola
N
Burton
Nicholas David
ND
Gilson
Wendy
W
Brown
D000041:Absenteeism; D000328:Adult; D004526:Efficiency; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D016272:Occupational Health; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D057566:Self Report; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017132:Workplace / Q000706:statistics & numerical data