[The development of work absenteeism due to home nursing by family members]

The author investigated the absence from work in employees of the chancellor's office of the Comenius University on account of care of a family member, and factors, which influence it and consequent economic losses. A substantial part of care of family members is on account of infectious diseases (94.8%), in particular diseases of the airways which accounted for as much as 76.6% of all illnesses requiring treatment and care. The highest mean ratio of required treatment was recorded in three-year and two-year old children. These children were treated 3-4 times per year. At the chancellor's office of the Comenius University absence from work on account of care of a family member caused a loss of 4346 work days, which corresponds to an all-year absence of cca 17 employees and an economic loss of 243,470 crowns paid as sickness benefits. This fact stimulated reflections on the possible prolongation of maternity leave to three years.