Fitness and absenteeism among hospital workers. Clarifying the connection

A total of 48% of hospital workers rated poor to below average in fitness. Administrative and clericals had the lowest fitness rating, while technical and paraprofessionals were the most fit. Illness absence days ranged from 0 to 39 in a 6 month period, with professionals absent the greatest number of days. Gender, income, and ethnicity explained 50% of the variance in the fitness results. Demographic and social characteristics potentially may confound fitness program outcome, including absenteeism.