Health Problems Related to Presenteeism Among Japanese Employees

Abstract

Objective This study identified primary health problems related to presenteeism stratified by sex. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze the relationship between 26 health problems and presenteeism using data from health-related data and World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire among 12,526 employees in Japan. Results Sex-stratified multiple regression analyses showed that presenteeism was associated with nine health problems in both sexes, depressive symptoms, followed by lack of appetite, insufficient sleep, heart palpitations, or shortness of breath demonstrated the strongest relationship. Men had five additional health problems associated with presenteeism; furthermore, the relationships of those were stronger than women. Conclusions The primary health problems related to presenteeism were depressive symptoms and indefinite complaints in both sexes. Men had more and stronger relationship between health problems and presenteeism than women.