Antecedents and associations of sickness presenteeism and sickness absenteeism in nurses: A systematic review

Abstract

Aims: This study comprehensively analysed and systemized the elements associated with nursing sickness presenteeism (SP) and sickness absenteeism (SA).

Background: Both behaviours represent a real challenge to nursing departments because they can increase costs, cause health care adverse events, and impact the quality of health care.

Design: The systematic review of cohort studies was designed to be consistent with the PRISMA guidelines.

Data sources: PubMed, ProQuest, and Emerald were systematically searched for peer-reviewed articles published from the 1950s to December 2016.

Review methods: Cohort studies were included (12 SA and 1 SP) in the review if they examined the association between one or more exposures and SP and/or SA in nurses. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results: Twenty-three antecedents were associated with SA and grouped as work and organizational, mental and physical health, and demographic; 3 antecedents were associated with SP (job demands, burnout, and exhaustion). Exhaustion (fatigue) and job demands were associated with SA and SP. Depersonalization was an outcome of SP over time.

Conclusion: The ability to predict presenteeism and absenteeism in nursing is useful to constrain costs and ensure that quality care is delivered.

Keywords: literature review; nursing; sickness absenteeism; sickness presenteeism; systematic review.