In the classroom but absent: Evidence of sickness presenteeism among teachers at four public schools

TY - JOUR

T1 - In the classroom but absent: Evidence of sickness presenteeism among teachers at four public schools

AU - Rojas-Roque, Carlos

AU - López-Bonilla, Indiana

PY - 2022/12

Y1 - 2022/12

N2 - ObjectiveEvidence regarding sickness presenteeism (SP) in low-and middle-income countries and in vulnerable groups such as teachers is relatively scarce. To provide evidence addressing this research gap, we examined the prevalence and predictors, and estimated the productivity loss impairment due to SP among teachers in Leon, Nicaragua.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study. Four public schools in Leon, Nicaragua, were selected, and 132 teachers were included in the final sample. Predictors influencing SP were identified through multivariable logistic regression. By using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire, we converted the productivity loss impairment to 2018 US dollars (1 US dollar = 31.78 Cordobas).ResultsOverall, the prevalence of SP was 65.2% (95% C.I.: 56.53–72.87), and no differences were found in sociodemographic characteristics. We observed a negative relationship between director/supervisor support and SP (p<0.001). Moreover, teachers without suitable household conditions for resting had a 1.28 times higher probability of SP (95% C.I.: 1.03–1.59). The median percentage time missed for all health reasons was 14.3%. The median percentage productivity loss impairment due to health conditions was 30%. The median per-capita cost of SP during the prior week was 20 US dollars, and the overall cost was 1805 US dollars.ConclusionAmong teachers, SP has a relatively high prevalence and is associated with a high economic toll. Interventions aimed at promoting healthful lifestyles are needed.

AB - ObjectiveEvidence regarding sickness presenteeism (SP) in low-and middle-income countries and in vulnerable groups such as teachers is relatively scarce. To provide evidence addressing this research gap, we examined the prevalence and predictors, and estimated the productivity loss impairment due to SP among teachers in Leon, Nicaragua.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study. Four public schools in Leon, Nicaragua, were selected, and 132 teachers were included in the final sample. Predictors influencing SP were identified through multivariable logistic regression. By using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire, we converted the productivity loss impairment to 2018 US dollars (1 US dollar = 31.78 Cordobas).ResultsOverall, the prevalence of SP was 65.2% (95% C.I.: 56.53–72.87), and no differences were found in sociodemographic characteristics. We observed a negative relationship between director/supervisor support and SP (p<0.001). Moreover, teachers without suitable household conditions for resting had a 1.28 times higher probability of SP (95% C.I.: 1.03–1.59). The median percentage time missed for all health reasons was 14.3%. The median percentage productivity loss impairment due to health conditions was 30%. The median per-capita cost of SP during the prior week was 20 US dollars, and the overall cost was 1805 US dollars.ConclusionAmong teachers, SP has a relatively high prevalence and is associated with a high economic toll. Interventions aimed at promoting healthful lifestyles are needed.

U2 - 10.1016/j.jtumed.2022.06.012

DO - 10.1016/j.jtumed.2022.06.012

M3 - Article

SN - 1658-3612

VL - 17

SP - 1051

EP - 1059

JO - Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences

JF - Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences

IS - 6

ER -