Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sickness absence rates in healthcare workers: a retrospective cohort study in a Spanish hospital

López Millán, Brais

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sickness absence rates in healthcare workers: a retrospective cohort study in a Spanish hospital

Llicència

Citació

López Millán, B. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sickness absence rates in healthcare workers: a retrospective cohort study in a Spanish hospital. 2023. handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10230/60079

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Resum

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the working conditions and social demands of healthcare workers (HCWs). This study focuses on analyzing sickness absence rates among HCWs in a Spanish hospital from 2018 to 2022, considering sociodemographic and occupational variables. Logistic regression models have allowed to assess the correlation between work variables and the probability of having a sickness absence each year. The results show that sickness absence rates increased significantly in late 2021 and remained elevated throughout 2022. Despite all workers suffering significant increases in incidence rates, female HCWs consistently had higher rates compared to males. Occupational category was found to be a key determinant, with nurse aides experiencing the highest rates in post-pandemic years. Additionally, nurses and nurse aides had greater odds of having sickness absences compared to doctors. Having worked in critical care or the emergency room during the pandemic was also associated with higher incidence rates. Overall, the findings highlight the impact of working conditions on HCWs' health and the need to address the underlying systemic issues in healthcare systems. Understanding the occupational determinants of sickness absence can help in developing strategies to improve the well-being of HCWs and ensure a healthy and stable workforce.