Exposure to work-related violence and/or threats of violence as a predictor of certified sickness absence due to mental disorders: a prospective cohort study of 16,339 Swedish men and women in paid work

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate if exposure to work-related violence and/or threats of violence predict certified sickness absence due to mental disorders. Methods Information on work-related exposure to violence and/or threats of violence were derived from the biannual Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health (SLOSH) study 2012–2016, including individuals in paid work across Sweden and from different occupations/sectors (n = 16,339). Certified sickness absence due to mental disorders were ascertained from register data from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. Odds ratios of certified sickness absence due to mental disorders according to exposure to work-related violence were estimated using multiple logistic regression. Several potential confounding variables, such as demographic and socio-economic factors, age, sex, cohabitation, children living at home, socio-economic status, educational level, as well as other types of psychosocial work environmental factors, were adjusted for in the analyses. Results In the total study sample, 9% reported exposure to violence and/or threats of violence and the prevalence of sickness absence due to mental disorders was 5%. Exposure to work-related violence and/or threats of violence was associated prospectively with certified sickness absence due to mental disorders (odds ratio 1.46, 95% confidence interval 1.17–1.82, p < 0.01). Analysis of possible interaction showed no difference in association when comparing women to men and different age groups. Conclusions Exposure to work-related violence and/or threats of violence appear to increase the odds of certified sickness absence due to mental disorders. Preventive measures aiming to lower the risk of exposure is thus of great importance.

The role of familial factors and neuroticism in the association between exposure to offensive behaviors at work and long-term sickness absence due to common mental disorders - a prospective twin study

“…Overall, our results showing an association between exposure to offensive behaviors at work and sickness absence due to CMDs is consistent with results of a previous study on workplace violence [25]. However, the results from the co-twin control analyses suggest that the association between exposure to offensive behaviors at work and sickness absence due to CMDs may be at least partially confounded by familial factors.…”

“…Previous studies have indicated an association between exposure to work-related offensive behaviors, such as harassment, bullying, violence and threats of different kinds and common mental health problems [20][21][22][23][24]. Moreover, a recent study suggested that exposure to work-related violence and/or threats of violence predicts future long-term sickness absence due to mental disorders [25]. However, challenges remain before concluding the association between exposure to offensive behaviors at work and sickness absence to be causal.…”

Prospective associations of psychosocial work factors with sickness absence spells and duration: Results from the French national working conditions survey

“…Our findings were in line with previously results on the associations between psychosocial work exposures, including high job demands, [11][12][13] low influence at work, 11,12,15 low possibilities for development, 11,13 low meaning at work, 12 low predictability, 12 high role conflict, [11][12][13]15 low social support, 18,34 low sense of community, 12 low job satisfaction, 12 workplace violence, [17][18][19] work-family conflict, 12,20 high changes at work, 12 and job insecurity 12,20 and sickness absence. Thus our results confirmed that various psychosocial work factors may be involved and the risk of sickness absence may increase with multiple psychosocial work exposures.…”

“…Another review and meta-analysis found moderate evidence for the association between workplace bullying and subsequent sickness absence. 10 The literature was scantier for effects of other psychosocial work factors, such as emotional demands, [11][12][13] demands for hiding emotions/emotional dissonance, 12,14 role conflict, [11][12][13][14][15] low supportive leadership, 13 conflicts with superiors, 16 workplace violence and/or threats of violence, [17][18][19] work-family conflict, 12,20 or job insecurity. 12 A wide range of psychosocial work exposures may be associated with sickness absence, as shown for other health-related outcomes.…”