EPIDEMIOLOGY OF SICKNESS ABSENCE IN A SWEDISH COUNTY IN 1985, 1986 AND 1987 - A 3 YEAR LONGITUDINAL-STUDY WITH FOCUS ON GENDER, AGE AND OCCUPATION

In order to get a better epidemiological base for preventive intervent ion in the county of Ostergotland, Sweden, a comprehensive study of si ckness absence was done. During the years 1985, 1986 and 1987, all new periods of sick-leave exceeding seven days were registered with demog raphic variables. This information was related to data about the total population of Ostergotland. Each year approx. 45,000 persons had appr ox. 61,000 sickness spells. These figures were stable over the years w hile the number of sick-leave days increased. Blue-collar occupations had the highest sick-leave rates and the female sick-leave rate was hi gher in general and much higher in most male-dominated occupations. Th e male rate was lower within female-dominated areas, except among secr etaries and textile workers. Females in extremely male-dominated group s had the highest rates, while both male and female sick-leave rates w ere lower in more gender-integrated occupations.