Perceived Age Discrimination at Work and Subsequent Long-Term Sickness Absence Among Finnish Employees

J Occup Environ Med. 2015 Jul;57(7):801-5. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000468.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the association of perceived age discrimination at work with subsequent long-term sickness absence among Finnish employees.

Methods: A representative sample of Finnish employees (n = 6322) was merged with register-based follow-up data. A negative binomial model was used in the analysis of subsequent sickness absence days.

Results: Perceived age discrimination was associated to long-term sickness absence after controlling various background, work, and health-related factors.

Conclusions: Age discrimination at work is a significant risk factor for sickness absence.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ageism / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Finland
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Sick Leave / statistics & numerical data*
  • Workplace*