Nicola Magnavita1, Sergio Garbarino. 1. Institute of Occupational Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma 00168, Italy. nicolamagnavita@gmail.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sickness absence due to illness is considered an indicator of work-related stress. Police work is a very stressful job. Sickness absence and sick leave are frequent among policemen. METHODS: We tested whether stress variables were predictors of absenteeism in a police unit specifically assigned to the maintenance of law and order. RESULTS: Control, Reward, and Support were negatively related to frequency of absence and short-term absence. Demand and Effort were positively related to total lost days. Absence recorded in the previous year was the best predictor of absenteeism. We also found a positive, albeit weak association between absence in the previous year and subsequent work-related stress. CONCLUSIONS: Stress variables are associated with sickness absence, although the association is weak. Both short-term and prolonged sickness absence should be regarded as a warning sign for subsequent sickness absence and distress.
BACKGROUND:Sickness absence due to illness is considered an indicator of work-related stress. Police work is a very stressful job. Sickness absence and sick leave are frequent among policemen. METHODS: We tested whether stress variables were predictors of absenteeism in a police unit specifically assigned to the maintenance of law and order. RESULTS: Control, Reward, and Support were negatively related to frequency of absence and short-term absence. Demand and Effort were positively related to total lost days. Absence recorded in the previous year was the best predictor of absenteeism. We also found a positive, albeit weak association between absence in the previous year and subsequent work-related stress. CONCLUSIONS: Stress variables are associated with sickness absence, although the association is weak. Both short-term and prolonged sickness absence should be regarded as a warning sign for subsequent sickness absence and distress.
Authors: John M Violanti; Desta Fekedulegn; Tara A Hartley; Michael E Andrew; Luenda Charles; Cathy A Tinney-Zara; Cecil M Burchfiel Journal: J Law Enforc Leadersh Ethics Date: 2014-03
Authors: Christine West; Desta Fekedulegn; Michael Andrew; Cecil M Burchfiel; Siobán Harlow; C Raymond Bingham; Marjorie McCullagh; Sung Kyun Park; John Violanti Journal: J Occup Environ Med Date: 2017-11 Impact factor: 2.162