Absenteeism Due to Mental Disorders in Agents Fighting Endemic Diseases in Ceará/Northeast Brazil

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study is to quantify the days away from work by mental disorders (MDs) in endemic fighting agents (EFAs) in the state in Northeast Brazil. Methods This is a historical cohort carried out from the survey of 584 expert medical records of EFA. The association measures were performed using Poisson regression models. Results The days away from work increased over time. Endemic fighting agents who have been on sick leaves by mood disorders ([cumulative incidence like relative risk (IRR)], 21.37; 95% CI, 12.36–36.93), alcoholism (IRR, 17.12; 95% CI, 10.04–29.34), and stress-related disorders (IRR, 10.32; 95% CI, 6.05–17.63) have a higher risk of absenteeism longer than 15 days. Conclusion This study reinforces the importance of actions for coping with MD in EFA.