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Published on: August 8, 2019
[Sedentariness and absenteeism in the work setting]
Elkin Martínez-López1, Juan Saldarriaga-Franco
1Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia. elkmartz@guajiros.udea.edu.co
Physical inactivity is linked to increased work absenteeism, affecting both employees and employers. Promoting physical activity in the workplace is a key strategy for improving occupational health and reducing sick leave.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Workplace absenteeism poses significant costs to individuals, organizations, and society.
- Understanding the factors contributing to absenteeism, such as physical activity levels, is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between sex, age, physical inactivity, and absenteeism in the work setting.
- To quantify the impact of physical activity on the frequency, duration, cost, and causes of sick leave.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of absenteeism data, including frequency, duration, cost, and causes.
- Estimation of relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) associated with physical activity levels.
- Examination of absenteeism patterns in relation to sex, age, and sedentary behavior.
Main Results:
- Respiratory diseases were identified as the primary cause of sick leave.
- Women exhibited higher rates of absenteeism compared to men.
- Absenteeism showed a significant association with age (RR 1.25, CI 95% 1.12-1.38) and sedentary behavior (RR 2.17, CI 95% 1.72-2.73).
Conclusions:
- Physical inactivity is a significant determinant of increased absenteeism rates and duration.
- Addressing physical inactivity in the workplace is essential for mitigating negative implications for workers, institutions, and society.
- Implementing workplace programs that promote physical activity is a strategic approach to enhance occupational health and reduce absenteeism.
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