Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study is to assess (1) whether lifestyle risk factors are related to work ability and sick leave in a general working population over time, and (2) these associations within specific disease groups (ie, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and mental illness). Setting Telemark county, in the south-eastern part of Norway. Design Longitudinal study with 5 years follow-up. Participants The Telemark study is a longitudinal study of the general working population in Telemark county, Norway, aged 16 to 50 years at baseline in 2013 (n=7952) and after 5-year follow-up. Outcome measure Self-reported information on work ability (moderate and poor) and sick leave (short-term and long-term) was assessed at baseline, and during a 5-year follow-up. Results Obesity (OR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.32 to 2.05) and smoking (OR=1.62, 95% CI: 1.35 to 1.96) were associated with long-term sick leave and, less strongly, with short-term sick leave. An unhealthy diet (OR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.01 to 2.43), and smoking (OR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.24 to 2.25) were associated with poor work ability and, to a smaller extent, with moderate work ability. A higher lifestyle risk score was associated with both sick leave and reduced work ability. Only few associations were found between unhealthy lifestyle factors and sick leave or reduced work ability within disease groups. Conclusion Lifestyle risk factors were associated with sick leave and reduced work ability. To evaluate these associations further, studies assessing the effect of lifestyle interventions on sick leave and work ability are needed.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 045678 |
Journal | BMJ Open |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 5 Feb 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Contributors AKMF was involved in conception, design and data collection. MMDB, IMO, AKMF, SJWR and AB were involved in the selection of research questions. MMDB was responsible for the statistical analyses. MMDB, IMO, AKMF, SJWR and AB were involved in the interpretation of the results. MMDB drafted the manuscript with the assistance of SJWR. MMDB, IMO, AKMF, SJWR and AB revised the manuscript critically and approved the final manuscript. Funding The work was supported by the University of South-Eastern Norway and Telemark Hospital.
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