Long-term sickness absence trajectories among ageing municipal employees – the contribution of social and health-related factors

Abstract

Background The ageing work force is heterogeneous, following distinct development in work ability. This study aims to identify trajectories of long-term sickness absence (SA) in later careers and to examine potentially modifiable factors associated with the development of SA. Methods Data comprised of municipal employees of the city of Helsinki aged 50–60 years during 2004–2018 (N = 4729, 80% women). The developmental trajectories of long-term (> 10 working days) SA were examined with Group-based trajectory modelling (GBTM) using SA records of the Social Insurance Institution of Finland during 2004–2018. All-cause and diagnosis-specific (mental disorder– and musculoskeletal disease–related) SA days were analysed. The association of social and health-related factors with trajectory membership was examined using multinomial logistic regression (odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals). Results A model with three trajectories was selected for both all-cause and diagnosis-specific SA. Regarding all-cause long-term SA trajectories, 42% had no long-term SA, 46% had low levels of SA, and 12% had a high rate of SA during follow-up. Lower occupational class, reporting smoking, overweight or obesity, moderate or low leisure-time physical activity, and sleep problems were associated with a higher likelihood of belonging to the trajectory with a high rate of SA in both all-cause and diagnosis-specific models. Conclusions Most ageing employees have no or little long-term SA. Modifiable factors associated with trajectories with more SA could be targeted when designing and timing interventions in occupational healthcare.

Dual trajectories of short-term and long-term sickness absence and their social- and health-related determinants among women in the public sector

“…Based on our previous findings, 20 we included employees who were 46–55 years old during years 2000–17 ( N = 4249, excluding N = 755). Participants’ SA data were not considered after retirement (excluding N = 55).…”

“…We have, however, analysed the most common diagnosis-specific long-term SA trajectories in our previous publication. 20 …”

“…Our previous study on the developmental patterns of long-term SA identified three distinct trajectory groups among 50 to 60-year-old municipal employees. 20 …”