Global prevalence of presenteeism in the nursing workforce: A meta‐analysis of 28 studies from 14 countries

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to estimate the overall presenteeism prevalence in the nursing workforce.Background: Nurses are more prone to presenteeism, which is associated with adverse outcomes for both nurses and patients. However, comprehensive information on the global prevalence of presenteeism in nursing workforce is lacking.Evaluation: Seven databases were systematically searched without year or language restrictions in July 2021. Studies that reported the prevalence rate of presenteeism among nurses were included. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model.Key issues: A total of 28 studies from 14 countries were included. The overall pooled estimate of presenteeism prevalence among nursing workforce was 49.2% (95% CI: 0.411, 0.574). Subgroup analyses showed that the prevalence of presenteeism was higher when the reporting time frame was >1 month and <1 year compared with ≤1 month or ≥1 year. Conclusion:The results of this meta-analysis showed the substantial prevalence of presenteeism in the nursing workforce with variations across different reporting time frames.Implication for Nursing Management: The findings can be used to support nurse managers, administrators and policymakers in recognizing the prevalence of presenteeism and developing relevant prevention strategies against presenteeism among global nursing workforce.

Contributing Factors of Presenteeism among Portuguese and Swiss Nurses: A Qualitative Study Using Focus Groups

“…The variability of prevalence rates should be explained considering the following elements: (a) sample characteristics (population, response rate), (b) the types of presenteeism studied (sickness, non-sickness, overall), and (c) the variety of measurement instruments [ 17 ]. A recent meta-analysis of 28 studies from 14 countries confirmed that presenteeism is prevalent (estimated at around 49%) among the nursing workforce [ 18 ]. This was “attributable to multiple health conditions and stress; and that it is tied to multiple consequences for the economy, patient safety, and nurse well-being” [ 19 ] (p. 9).…”

Psychometric properties of the Korean version of the Stanford Presenteeism Scale in a nurse population

“…Presenteeism affects both individuals and organizations. Presenteeism leads to negative consequences among nurses including poor health, limited work ability, low work quality, and adverse patient outcomes (Abdi et al, 2021; Freeling et al, 2020; Min et al, 2022). Measuring presenteeism is particularly important in working environments in Korea.…”

“…Furthermore, presenteeism in nursing workforces can be promoted by intense job demands, staff shortages that lead to difficulty in replacing staff, and attitudes staff have toward their own health (Freeling et al, 2020; Johns, 2010; Rainbow & Steege, 2017). Attention to presenteeism in the nursing workforces is particularly important because it not only compromises nurses' health and well‐being but also reduces nurses' ability to provide high‐quality care and thus puts patients at risk (Freeling et al, 2020; Min et al, 2022). For example, nurses' presenteeism has been linked to increased rates of adverse patient outcomes such as rationing of care (Dhaini et al, 2017), patient falls, medication errors (Letvak et al, 2012), and mortality (Trinkoff et al, 2011).…”

Nursing Staff Presenteeism Scale: Development and psychometric test

“…The incidence of presenteeism varies from 30% to 90% across professions [ 2 ]. Nurses, compared to other professions, are more prone to this problem [ 3 ]. In China, 94.25% of nurses self-reported that they had been present but unwell within the past 6 months [ 4 ].…”

“…The scale focuses on presenteeism behavior but does not assess the impacts of presenteeism on work performance or productivity [ 15 ]. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis that examined 28 studies from 14 countries revealed that 50% of nurses showed up for work when unwell or unfit to work and proposed that effective measurement instruments for evaluating presenteeism among nurses and thoughtful solutions to presenteeism are needed [ 3 ]. To date, no gold standard measurement for presenteeism has been developed.…”