Changes in drinking as predictors of changes in sickness absence: a case-crossover study.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Investigated the link between alcohol use changes and sickness absence risk.
• Utilized a case-crossover design for robust analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if changes in alcohol consumption predict subsequent changes in sickness absence.
• To identify specific risk factors associated with alcohol use and absence.

Main Methods:

• Surveyed Finnish public sector employees on alcohol use and covariates (2000, 2004, 2008).
• Defined heavy drinking based on weekly intake exceeding recommendations or extreme drinking sessions.
• Linked survey data to national sickness absence registers for analysis.

Main Results:

• Heavy drinking associated with increased odds of short-term sickness absence (OR 1.21).
• Increased alcohol consumption linked to higher short-term (OR 1.27) and long-term (OR 1.38) sickness absence.
• Decreased alcohol consumption also associated with increased long-term sickness absence (OR 1.27).

Conclusions:

• Increased alcohol consumption is a predictor of both short-term and long-term sickness absence.
• Men and employees with lower socioeconomic status appear to be at higher risk.
• Changes in drinking patterns significantly impact sickness absence risk.