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Absenteeism Among Healthcare Workers: Job Grade and Other Factors That Matter in Sickness Absence

Author

Listed:
  • Carine J. Sakr

    (Employee Health Unit, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Lina M. Fakih

    (Employee Health Unit, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Umayya M. Musharrafieh

    (Employee Health Unit, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon)

  • Ghassan M. Khairallah

    (Employee Health Unit, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon)

  • Maha H. Makki

    (Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon)

  • Rita M. Doudakian

    (Employee Health Unit, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon)

  • Hani Tamim

    (Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon)

  • Carrie A. Redlich

    (Yale Occupational and Environmental Medicine Program, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06501, USA)

  • Martin D. Slade

    (Yale Occupational and Environmental Medicine Program, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06501, USA)

  • Diana V. Rahme

    (Employee Health Unit, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon)

Abstract

Background: Absenteeism among healthcare workers (HCWs) disrupts workflows and hampers the delivery of adequate patient care. The aim of the study was to examine predictors of sick leaves among HCWs in a tertiary medical center in Lebanon. Methods: A retrospective analysis of sick leaves linked to health records of 2850 HCWs between 2015 and 2018 was performed. Sick leave episodes were stratified by diagnosis. Bivariate and negative binomial regression analyses were performed to investigate predictors. Results: The mean number of sick leave episodes was 10.6 per person over 4 years. The strongest predictor of higher sickness absenteeism was low job grade (IR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.39, 1.67). Female sex (IR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.14, 1.36), older age (IR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.08, 1.30), being married (IR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.11, 1.33), being a current smoker (IR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.11, 1.32), and having a history of selected medical conditions were all significant sick leave predictors. Conclusion: Demographic, work-related, and health-related predictors are associated with the number of sick leave episodes. To address the health inequity, additional research should evaluate how some socio-economic factors determine poorer health outcomes and should guide approaches to address this crucial issue to protect the health and well-being of this key workforce.

Suggested Citation

  • Carine J. Sakr & Lina M. Fakih & Umayya M. Musharrafieh & Ghassan M. Khairallah & Maha H. Makki & Rita M. Doudakian & Hani Tamim & Carrie A. Redlich & Martin D. Slade & Diana V. Rahme, 2025. "Absenteeism Among Healthcare Workers: Job Grade and Other Factors That Matter in Sickness Absence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(1), pages 1-12, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:1:p:127-:d:1571215
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