Association between sick leave and work-related psychological factors. Results from the BIBB/BAuA labour force survey 2005/2006

Background. Sick leave due to mental illness has been increasing continuously in recent years: therefore, work-related psychological factors have come into focus. The aim of this study was to examine associations between work-related measures (e.g. job satisfaction and job insecurity) and the risk of (long-term) sick leave. Methods. Data from the representative BIBB/BAuA labour force survey 2005/2006 and log-binomial regression were used to estimate associations. Results. Low job satisfaction and perceived job insecurity are consistently associated with a higher risk for sick leave, whereas objective measures of job insecurity (private enterprise, self-employment) are associated with a lower risk. Conclusions. The survey structure makes it impossible to infer a causal connection; however, the causes for the association between low job satisfaction, job insecurity and sick leave should be examined further.