Title
Can sickness absence be reduced by stress reduction programs: On the effectiveness of two approaches
Author
van Rhenen, W.
Blonk, R.W.B.
Schaufeli, W.B.
van Dijk, F.J.H.
TNO Kwaliteit van Leven
Publication year
2007
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two brief preventive stress reduction programs - a cognitive focused program and a combined intervention of physical exercise and relaxation - on sickness absence in stressed and non-stressed employees working in various jobs in a telecom company. Methods: The study was designed as an a priori randomized trial and the follow-up period for sickness absence was 1 year. Sickness absence data of 242 employees were analyzed with respect to spells of sickness (frequency, incidence rate), days (length, duration) and time between intervention and first subsequent absent spell. Results: For stressed employees this study suggests that the illness burden represented by absenteeism is not affected by the interventions. There is no substantial difference in effectiveness between the cognitive and physical interventions. However, in comparison with the physical intervention the cognitive intervention decreases the period between the intervention and the first recurrence of a sick leave period with 144 days (marginal significant). Conclusion: The illness burden represented by absenteeism is effected in detail but not substantially by the interventions. © Springer-Verlag 2006.
Subject
Workplace
Arbeidsparticipatie
Lichaamshouding
Lichaamsbeweging
Ziekteverzuim
Sociaal verzuim
Stress
Geestelijke overbelasting
Preventie
Rust
Slaap
Alternatieve geneeskunde
Arbobeleid bedrijven
Cognitive intervention
Occupational health
Physical intervention
Sickness absence
Absenteeism
Adult
Clinical effectiveness
Clinical trial
Cognitive therapy
Controlled clinical trial
Controlled study
Disease duration
Employee
Exercise
Female
Follow up
Health program
Human
Incidence
Intermethod comparison
Job stress
Major clinical study
Male
Medical leave
Occupational disease
Occupational hazard
Physical activity
Randomized controlled trial
Recurrent disease
Relaxation training
Risk reduction
Telecommunication
iddle Aged
Netherlands
Occupational Health
Program Evaluation
Sick Leave
Stress, Psychological
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:e98b3668-e8d0-4455-8cf2-1e822c90c86a
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-006-0157-9
TNO identifier
239968
ISSN
0340-0131
Source
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 80 (6), 505-515
Document type
article