Risk factors for short-term absenteeism in medium-sized hospital

Abstract Introduction Even though there are evidences of absenteeism in the hospital context, more studies are needed beyond the care sector. Objectives to investigate the associations between the prevalence of absenteeism of three sectors employees of a philanthropic medium-sized hospital and individual characteristics, life habits, health status and working conditions. Method Cross-sectional study with random sample of 123 professionals from care, administrative and support sectors. The data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire that included information on absence from work, socio-demographic, habits and lifestyle characteristics, health status and working conditions. Prevalence ratios of absenteeism and their respective 95% confidence intervals were adjusted by Poisson multivariate regression. Results The prevalence of absenteeism due to sickness in last 12 months was 28.5% and it was associated with high physical and psychological demands, working time at the hospital and presence of occupational diseases. Conclusion Precarious working conditions are associated sickness absenteeism among professionals investigated. This finding must be considered in the formulation of interventions involving the health promotion of these workers.