Nationwide Patterns and Predictors of Sick Leave Among Healthcare Workers in Kuwait, 2022

Background/Objectives: Healthcare worker (HCW) sickness absenteeism can disrupt healthcare service delivery and increase workload pressures, yet evidence from Kuwait remains limited. This study examined patterns of sick leave episodes and duration among HCWs in Kuwait and identified associated predictors. Methods: We conducted a nationwide retrospective analysis of sick leave utilization using Ministry of Health (MOH) administrative records for 2022, including 51,204 HCWs across all MOH healthcare facilities. Outcomes were sick leave episodes and sick leave duration. Independent variables included age, gender, nationality, place of residence, profession, managerial position, and influenza vaccination status. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were used to estimate adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: In 2022, 196,840 sick leave episodes and 295,206 sick leave days were recorded, with 53% of HCWs experiencing at least one episode. Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI)-related sick leave exhibited seasonal variation, with higher proportions during winter months. Younger age, female sex, Kuwaiti nationality, non-managerial position, and medical technician professions were associated with higher sick leave episodes and duration, while physicians, dentists, and pharmacists had lower sick leave utilization compared with nurses. Influenza vaccination was associated with fewer sick leave episodes and shorter duration. Conclusions: Sick leave patterns among HCWs in Kuwait show noticeable seasonal, demographic, and occupational variation. Targeted preventive strategies and workforce policies may help reduce sick leave burden.