Yeshambel T Nigatu1, Corné A M Roelen, Sijmen A Reijneveld, Ute Bültmann. 1. From the Department of Health Sciences (Mr Nigatu and Drs Roelen, Reijneveld, and Bültmann), Community and Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen; and ArboNed Occupational Health Service (Dr Roelen), Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To examine separate and joint associations of overweight and distress with long-term sickness absence (LTSA). METHODS: We included a total of 2724 Dutch employees participating in occupational health checks between 2008 and 2012. Overweight was defined as a body mass index of 25 kg/m2 or more; distress concerned a score of 10 or more on the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire. Long-term sickness absence was defined as sickness absence lasting more than 2 consecutive weeks. Synergy was estimated from logistic regression models using the synergy index. RESULTS: The joint association of overweight and distress with LTSA was significant in women (odds ratio, 2.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.31 to 4.24), but not in men (odds ratio, 1.58; 95%confidence interval, 0.74 to 3.37). In women, we found a synergy index of 1.04 (95%confidence interval, 0.34 to 3.15). CONCLUSIONS: The joint association of overweight and distress with LTSA was not synergistic. Addressing comorbid overweight and distress may help reduce the burden of LTSA in women.
OBJECTIVES: To examine separate and joint associations of overweight and distress with long-term sickness absence (LTSA). METHODS: We included a total of 2724 Dutch employees participating in occupational health checks between 2008 and 2012. Overweight was defined as a body mass index of 25 kg/m2 or more; distress concerned a score of 10 or more on the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire. Long-term sickness absence was defined as sickness absence lasting more than 2 consecutive weeks. Synergy was estimated from logistic regression models using the synergy index. RESULTS: The joint association of overweight and distress with LTSA was significant in women (odds ratio, 2.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.31 to 4.24), but not in men (odds ratio, 1.58; 95%confidence interval, 0.74 to 3.37). In women, we found a synergy index of 1.04 (95%confidence interval, 0.34 to 3.15). CONCLUSIONS: The joint association of overweight and distress with LTSA was not synergistic. Addressing comorbid overweight and distress may help reduce the burden of LTSA in women.