EPV1234 - Absenteeism in healthcare settings: work-related factors and prevention

EPV1234

Absenteeism in healthcare settings: work-related factors and prevention

W. Ayed ¹, M. MERSNI ¹, S. CHEMINGUI ¹, Y. YAICH ^2,*, G. Amri ², G. BAHRI ¹, M. BANI ¹, M. BANI ¹, R. GHACHEM ², N. LADHARI ¹

¹Occupational department , Charles Nicolle Hospital , Tunis , ²Psychiatric B , Razi Hospital , Mannouba, Tunisia

 

Introduction: Absenteeism among healthcare workers (HCWs) is a growing concern worldwide, as it disrupts service delivery, increases workload for remaining staff, and compromises patient care quality . work-related factors  play a key role in triggering or aggravating absenteeism

Objectives: To describe the socio-professional characteristics of HCWs on long-term sick leave due to work-related psychiatric disorders. 

Methods: Retrospective descriptive study of HCWs  who consulted the occupational pathology and fitness for work department, during the period from 17 August 2022 to 14 September 2025, as part of a medical examination for long-term absence.

Results: Of 2404 HCWs who consulted our department for long-term sick leave , work -related factors accounted for 26,7% . The mean age of HCWs was 45,6± 10,4 years . . They were predominantly female, with a sex ratio (M/F) of 0,34 . The most occupied work positions were : nurses (27,5%) and workers (16,6%) . The average length of long-term sick leave was 60 days . The psychiatric pathologies most commonly reported by healthcare professionals were anxiety and depressive disorders (92%) .   The occupational factors reported by HCWs were high workload, shift work, workplace conflicts and inadequate organisation.

Conclusions: Absenteeism among HCWs is strongly influenced by work-related factors . Our study highlight the need for targeted preventive measures and organizational interventions to reduce psychiatric morbidity and promote sustainable work capacity in healthcare settings.

 

Disclosure of Interest: None Declared