Research Plus

Bullying risks long-term absence

Bullying is a significant independent risk factor for long-term sickness absence due to mental ill health (OR = 1.32; CI 1.06–1.64) and musculoskeletal disorders (OR = 1.29; CI 1.06–1.58), according to this prospective cohort study of 2,983 public and private sector workers in Belgium. Reporting higher levels of reward at work was associated with lower risk of long-term mental health absence (OR = 0.76; CI 0.60–0.97). Workers aged 30–55 years were recruited into the Belstress III study and completed a baseline questionnaire covering individual and socio-demographic variables, health behaviours and psychosocial work environment factors. Sickness absence data was collected from personnel administration records. An important caveat is that participants volunteered for the study, risking selection bias; however, the large numbers and use of reliable absence data are major strengths.

European Journal of Public Health 2014

Tags bullying evidence based practice mental health msd - musculoskeletal disorder sickness absence

Occupational Health at Work June/July 2014 (vol. 11/1) pp44