Separation and distress--sickness absence and health screening in newly divorced middle-aged Swedish men

The present study aimed at a description of the sickness absence pattern during 1982-1989 in 32 men who divorced in 1984. Another purpose was to carry through a health screening of the men within six months after the marital disruption focusing on risk factors concerning cardio-vascular disease (smoking, overweight, hypertension) and high alcohol consumption (elevated GGT). The year of divorce and the successive three years (1984-1987) were characterized by high sickness rates (average 21,7 days/year, variation 19,4-26,6) compared to a reference group (average 16,6, variation 14,9-18,1). In the remaining four years (1982-1983 and 1988-1989) the sickness absence was lower in the divorced group (average 12,2, variation 8,7-18,0, reference group: average 17,3, variation 14,8-20,0). The increase was mainly due to short absence periods (self-certifications). The health screening (health examination and record analysis) (n = 29) revealed high frequency of daily smoking and alcohol overconsumption. Overweight and hypertension were not overrepresented. The findings are discussed in relation to a supposed male reaction style to separation. The impact of social isolation is stressed.