The effect of mental ill health on absence from work in different occupational classifications: analysis of routine data in the British Household Panel Survey

Whittaker, W., Sutton, M., Macdonald, S. , Maxwell, M., Smith, M., Wilson, P. and Morrison, J. (2012) The effect of mental ill health on absence from work in different occupational classifications: analysis of routine data in the British Household Panel Survey. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 54(12), pp. 1539-1544. (doi: 10.1097/JOM.0b013e3182677d12)

Abstract

<b>Objective</b> To investigate relationship of mental ill health to absence from work in different occupational classifications.<p></p> <b>Method</b> Examined sickness absence, mental health (GHQ-12), physical health, job characteristics, and personal characteristics in 18 waves of the British Household Panel Survey.<p></p> <b>Results</b> Overall sickness absence rate was 1.68%. Increased absence was associated with age greater than 45 years, female gender, lower occupational classification, and public-sector employers. Decreased absence was associated with part-time working. Scoring 4 or more on the General Health Questionnaire 12-item version (GHQ-12 caseness) was strongly associated with sickness absence. Public-sector employers had highest rates of sickness absence. GHQ-12 caseness had largest impact on absence in the public and nonprofit sectors, whereas physical health problems impacted more in the private sector.<p></p> <b>Conclusions</b> GHQ-12 caseness is strongly associated with increased absence in all classifications of occupations. Differences between sectors require further investigation.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This is an author post-print. The final published version is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0b013e3182677d12
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Wilson, Prof Philip and Maxwell, Dr Margaret and Morrison, Professor Jill and Macdonald, Professor Sara
• Authors: Whittaker, W., Sutton, M., Macdonald, S., Maxwell, M., Smith, M., Wilson, P., and Morrison, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• ISSN: 1076-2752
• ISSN (Online): 1536-5948
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2012 The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
• First Published: First published in Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 54(12):1539-1544
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher