title: Self-reported medical leave by Brazilian Labor-law magistrates.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sick leave can be envisaged as an important public health indicator. Health problems and trouble at work are predictors of absenteeism.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Within the context of reforming the judicial system, the aim of this study was to examine whether individual characteristics and working conditions influenced reports of sick leave amongst a population of Brazilian magistrates.
  
  
  METHODS
  A web-based survey was conducted in 2011 in such a way as to reach the entire population of Brazilian Labor-law magistrates across the country. The variable of interest related to the question: "Have you taken any medical leave due to illness over the last 12 months?"
  
  
  RESULTS
  Less than a quarter of the population participated in the survey, despite widespread publicity produced by the professional association. Among the work-related factors, experiences of violence in the courthouse were shown to be associated with the outcome. No significant association with the material or psychosocial working conditions or with the workload was found. Female, worse health assessment, not participating in social activities and having a mother with higher schooling level were significantly associated with absenteeism among the magistrates.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is desirable to formulate sectorial policies focusing on controlling and monitoring violent events in the courthouse.
authors: Ada Ávila
authors: AÁ
authors: Assunção
authors: Adriane Mesquita
authors: AM
authors: de Medeiros
authors: Tarcísio Márcio Magalhães
authors: TM
authors: Pinheiro
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007603:Jurisprudence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D057566:Self Report; D018582:Sick Leave / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
keywords: Judges; judicial sector; occupational 
  health; working conditions