title: Modifiable worker risk factors contributing to workplace absence: a stakeholder-centred best-evidence synthesis of systematic reviews.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A challenge facing stakeholders is the identification and translation of relevant high quality research to inform policy and practice. This study engaged academic and community stakeholders in conducting a best evidence-synthesis to identify modifiable risk and protective worker factors across health conditions impacting work-related absence.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To identify modifiable worker disability risk and protective factors across common health conditions impacting work-related absence.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched Medline, Embase, CINHAL, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, BusinessSourceComplete, and ABI/Inform from 2000 to 2011. Quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods systematic reviews of work-focused population were considered for inclusion. Two or more reviewers independently reviewed articles for inclusion and methodological screening.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The search strategy, expert input and grey literature identified 2,467 unique records. One hundred and forty-two full text articles underwent comprehensive review. Twenty-four systematic reviews met eligibility criteria. Modifiable worker factors found to have consistent evidence across two or more health conditions included emotional distress, negative enduring psychology/personality factors, negative health and disability perception, decreased physical activity, lack of family support, poor general health, increased functional disability, increased pain, increased fatigue and lack of motivation to return to work.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Systematic reviews are limited by availability of high quality studies, lack of consistency of methodological screening and reporting, and variability of outcome measures used.
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada.
authors.forename: Shannon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wagner
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: White
authors.affiliation: Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology and Special Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
authors.forename: Izabela
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Schultz
authors.affiliation: Epidemiologist, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Eleanor
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.affiliation: Information Resource Librarian, Consultant, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
authors.forename: Susan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Bradley
authors.affiliation: BC Construction Safety Alliance, New Westminster, BC, Canada.
authors.forename: Vernita
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.affiliation: The FIOSA-MIOSA Safety Alliance of BC, Chilliwack, BC, Canada.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McGuire
authors.affiliation: Canadian Institute for the Relief of Pain and Disability, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
authors.forename: Werner
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Schulz
mesh_terms: D000041:Absenteeism; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000379:methods; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016272:Occupational Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D017132:Workplace / Q000592:standards*
keywords: Disability prevention; occupational health; risk and protective factors