Predictors of health-related absenteeism, presenteeism and sick leave among brazilian elementary school teachers: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The health risks that usually affect teachers are already known; however, the predictors of health related absenteeism, presenteeism, and sick leave have not yet been fully described.

Objective: To analyze the predictors of health-related absenteeism, presenteeism, and sick leave among elementary school teachers.

Methods: This study involved a probabilistic sample of 519 Brazilian elementary school teachers. The outcomes were days of health-related absenteeism, presenteeism, and sick leave in the previous 12 months. Work-place and individual factors were the independent variables analyzed.

Results: Inadequate infrastructure of schools, disability, and medical consultations were positively associated with all outcomes. Teachers who reported having a chronic disease, common mental disorders, and voice disorders presented higher absenteeism and presenteeism days. Musculoskeletal pain and low job support were associated with higher presenteeism and sick leave days. Teachers who performed strength and flexibility activities presented less presenteeism, those who reported physical violence at school were more frequently absent, and teachers with depersonalization presented a higher likelihood of sick leave.

Conclusions: The prevention of health-related absenteeism, presenteeism, and sick leave among elementary teachers should ensure adequate work conditions and prevention and monitoring of health risks.

Keywords: Chronic disease; health behavior; mental health; school health; sick days.