Physicians who do not take sick leave: hazardous heroes?

Background: Physicians seem to have problems in accepting their own illness , and they tend to avoid Laking sick leave. This study reports the diseases that physicians bring to work, and discusses selected factors associated w ith the behaviour of working when ill. Methods: Of a random sample of 1.476 Norwegian physicians, 70% answered a mailed. anonymous questionnaire as a part of The Norwegian Medical Association's health survey. Results: During one year, 80% of the physicians had worked during an illness For which they would have sick-listed their patients. More than half of the physicians in the study had worked whilst having an infectious disease. Factors independ ently associated with the behaviour of working when ill include being in th e age group 30- 39 years. working as a clinician outside hospital, having r eceived medical treatment during the last three years, and having low job s atisfaction. Conclusion: A large number of physicians work whilst having in fections and other diseases. This behaviour might be harmful to the physici ans themselves as well as to their patients and staff members.