Abstract
Background Sickness absence due to illness is considered an indicator of work-related
stress. Police work is a very stressful job. Sickness absence and sick leave are
frequent among policemen.
Methods We tested whether stress variables were predictors of absenteeism in a police
unit specifically assigned to the maintenance of law and order.
Results Control, Reward, and Support were negatively related to frequency of absence
and short-term absence. Demand and Effort were positively related to total lost days.
Absence recorded in the previous year was the best predictor of absenteeism. We also
found a positive, albeit weak association between absence in the previous year and
subsequent work-related stress.
Conclusions Stress variables are associated with sickness absence, although the association
is weak. Both short-term and prolonged sickness absence should be regarded
as a warning sign for subsequent sickness absence and distress.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 765-775 |
Journal | American Journal of Industrial Medicine |
Volume | 56 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Keywords
- absenteeism
- control
- demand
- effort
- effort–reward imbalance
- job strain
- over-commitment
- reward
- risk assessment
- short-time sickness absence
- social support