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Published on: March 7, 2019
Measuring presenteeism: which questionnaire to use in physical activity research?
Helen Elizabeth Brown1, Nicola Burton, Nicholas David Gilson
1School of Human Movement Studies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Journal of Physical Activity & Health
|February 1, 2013
Summary
This review identifies and evaluates questionnaires measuring presenteeism, defined as reduced work productivity due to health symptoms. The Health and Work Questionnaire, Work Ability Index, and Work Limitations Questionnaire are recommended for future research on physical activity and presenteeism.
Area of Science:
- Workplace health and productivity research.
- Occupational health psychology.
- Measurement in health services research.
Background:
- Presenteeism, the impact of health symptoms on work productivity, is a growing area of workplace health interest.
- Established links exist between presenteeism, health, and physical activity.
- Presenteeism is a potential outcome measure in workplace physical activity studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a narrative review of questionnaires used to measure presenteeism.
- To identify suitable instruments for research on workplace physical activity and presenteeism.
Main Methods:
- A literature search identified eight self-report measures of presenteeism.
- Data on questionnaire development, measured constructs, and psychometric properties were extracted.
Main Results:
- Questionnaires were self-administered, with 4-44 items and recall periods from 1 week to 1 year.
- Items assessed work performance, physical tolerance, psychological well-being, and social functioning.
- Samples were mainly American male employees (30-59 years); instruments underwent psychometric assessment, primarily for validity.
Conclusions:
- The Health and Work Questionnaire, Work Ability Index, and Work Limitations Questionnaire are recommended.
- These instruments demonstrate suitable characteristics for exploring the physical activity-presenteeism relationship.
