Scand J Work Environ Health 2008;34(6):483-486 pdf
https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.1287 | Issue date: 00 Dec 2008
Does evening work predict sickness absence among female carers of the elderly?
Objectives The aim of the present study was to predict the risk ratio of sickness absence lasting ≥2 weeks due to shift work among Danish workers caring for the elderly during the evening and at night.
Methods A sample of Danish carers of the elderly were interviewed in 2005. The response rate was 78%. A cohort of 5627 shift and day workers was followed for sickness absence lasting ≥2 weeks and for sickness absence lasting ≥8 weeks in a sickness compensation register covering all social transfer payments in Denmark.
Results Among the evening workers, the rate ratio (RR) of sickness absence lasting ≥2 weeks was 1.29 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.10–1.52). The rate ratio for sickness absence lasting ≥8 weeks was 1.24 (95% CI 0.99–1.56).
Conclusions Evening work may cause long-term sickness absence lasting ≥2 weeks.
Key terms absenteeism; care for the elderly; carer of the elderly; elderly; evening work; female; night work; prediction; short communication; sickness absence; woman