ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the association between multiple lifestyle-related risk factors (unhealthy diet, low leisure-time physical activity, overweight/obesity and smoking) and self-rated work ability in a general working population.SettingPopulation-based cross-sectional study, in Telemark County, Norway, 2013.ParticipantsA random sample of 50 000 subjects was invited to answer a self-administered questionnaire and 16 099 responded. Complete data on lifestyle and work ability were obtained for 10 355 participants aged 18–50 years all engaged in paid work during the preceding 12 months.Outcome measureWork ability was assessed using the Work Ability Score (WAS)—the first question in the Work Ability Index. To study the association between multiple lifestyle risk factors and work ability, a lifestyle risk index was constructed and relationships examined using multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsLow work ability was more likely among subjects with an unhealthy diet (ORadj1.3, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.5), inactive persons (ORadj1.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.6), obese respondents (ORadj1.5, 95% CI 1.3 to 1.7) and former and current smokers (ORadj1.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.4 and 1.3, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.5, respectively). An additive relationship was observed between the lifestyle risk index and the likelihood of decreased work ability (moderate-risk score: ORadj1.3; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.6; high-risk score: ORadj1.9; 95% CI 1.6 to 2.2; very high risk score: ORadj2.4; 95% CI 1.9 to 3.0). The overall population attributable fraction (PAF) of low work ability based on the overall risk index was 38%, while the PAFs of physical activity, smoking, body mass index and diet were 16%, 11%, 11% and 6%, respectively.ConclusionsLifestyle risk factors were associated with low work ability. An additive relationship was observed. The findings are considered relevant to occupational intervention programmes aimed at prevention and improvement of decreased work ability.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to assess (1) whether lifestyle risk factors are related to work ability and sick leave in a general working population over time, and (2) these associations within specific disease groups (ie, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and mental illness).SettingTelemark county, in the south-eastern part of Norway.DesignLongitudinal study with 5 years follow-up.ParticipantsThe Telemark study is a longitudinal study of the general working population in Telemark county, Norway, aged 16 to 50 years at baseline in 2013 (n=7952) and after 5-year follow-up.Outcome measureSelf-reported information on work ability (moderate and poor) and sick leave (short-term and long-term) was assessed at baseline, and during a 5-year follow-up.ResultsObesity (OR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.32 to 2.05) and smoking (OR=1.62, 95% CI: 1.35 to 1.96) were associated with long-term sick leave and, less strongly, with short-term sick leave. An unhealthy diet (OR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.01 to 2.43), and smoking (OR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.24 to 2.25) were associated with poor work ability and, to a smaller extent, with moderate work ability. A higher lifestyle risk score was associated with both sick leave and reduced work ability. Only few associations were found between unhealthy lifestyle factors and sick leave or reduced work ability within disease groups.ConclusionLifestyle risk factors were associated with sick leave and reduced work ability. To evaluate these associations further, studies assessing the effect of lifestyle interventions on sick leave and work ability are needed.

Objective To investigate whether physician-diagnosed asthma modifies the associations between multiple lifestyle factors, sick leave and work ability in a general working population. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Telemark County, Norway, in 2013. A sample of 16 099 respondents completed a self-administered questionnaire. We obtained complete data on lifestyle, work ability and sick leave for 10 355 employed persons aged 18-50 years. We modelled sick leave and work ability using multiple logistic regression, and introduced interaction terms to investigate whether associations with lifestyle factors were modified by asthma status. Results Several lifestyle risk factors and a multiple lifestyle risk index were associated with sick leave and reduced work ability score among persons both with and without physician-diagnosed asthma. A stronger association between lifestyle and sick leave among persons with asthma was confirmed by including interaction terms in the analysis: moderate lifestyle risk score * asthma OR = 1.4 (95% CI 1.02-2.1); high lifestyle risk score * asthma OR = 1.6 (95% CI 1.1-2.3); very high lifestyle risk score * asthma OR = 1.6 (95% CI 0.97-2.7); obesity * asthma OR = 1.5 (95% CI 1.02-2.1); past smoking * asthma OR = 1.4 (95% CI 1.01-1.9); and current smoking * asthma OR = 1.4 (95% CI 1.03-2.0).

expect 1.1 year decline in work-life expectancy due to poor emotional strain at work. In addition the expected time spend in sickness absence until pension age will increase by 0.9 years, and the expected time spend in unemployment will increase by 0.3 years. Similar results are made for other profiles, with or without the right to early retirement pension scheme. Discussion Results suggest a significant influence of occupational health on work-life expectancy and work disability among Danish employees. With the new methods utilising the detailed Danish registers one have the ability to estimate work-life expectancy even for small groups, which is often the case when subgrouping levels of occupational health. Introduction There has been increasing attention on work ability promotion and prolonging working life in Norway. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between several lifestyle-related risk factors (unhealthy diet, low physical activity, overweight/obesity and smoking) and self-rated work ability. Methods This study is based on the Telemark study, a crosssectional population study conducted in Telemark county, Norway in 2013. Complete data on lifestyle-related factors and work ability were obtained for 10 434 participants aged 18-50 years, all engaged in paid work during the past 12 months. The outcome measure was the first single item question of the work ability index (WAI). We used multiple logistic regression analysis to examine the associations with the independent variables: diet, body mass index, physical activity and smoking. We adjusted for age, gender, education and main occupational group and stratified for age groups (18-30, 31-40 and 41-50). Results Reduced work ability (score <8) was more likely among obese participants (OR 1.5, 95% CI: 1.3 to 1.7), past and current smokers (OR 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.5 and OR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2 to 1.6 respectively), inactive individuals (OR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.3 to 1.6), and persons responding to have an unhealthy diet (OR 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0 to 1.5). Among participants aged 18-30 years, inactivity and smoking were associated with deceased work ability, while among participants aged 41-50 years, all the studied lifestyle-related factors were significantly associated with decreased work ability. Discussion Lifestyle-related risk factors were found to be associated with reduced work ability in a general working population aged 18-50. The results indicate that workers may benefit from interventions focusing on multiple life style changes. The findings further indicate an increased importance of lifestyle-related behaviours on work ability with age. The results are considered relevant to occupational intervention health programs aimed at prevention of decreased work ability. Introduction This study concerns the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and eating behaviours in working populations. Much research exists on this topic in a community setting, however more research is needed in a workplace setting to help inform the targeting of interve...