Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Sex-specific Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Sick Leave in Serbian Working Population: Findings from the National Health Survey

Snezana Knezevic
* ORCID logo ,
Tamara Gajic
ORCID logo ,
Nela Djonovic
,
Sara Knezevic
,
Dragan Vukolic
,
Tatjana Marinkovic
,
Nikoleta Janicijevic
ORCID logo ,
Dragan Vasiljevic
,
Slavica Djordjevic
,
Dragan Marinkovic
,
Dalibor Stajic
*
Version 1 : Received: 10 September 2024 / Approved: 11 September 2024 / Online: 11 September 2024 (10:46:38 CEST)

How to cite: Knezevic, S.; Gajic, T.; Djonovic, N.; Knezevic, S.; Vukolic, D.; Marinkovic, T.; Janicijevic, N.; Vasiljevic, D.; Djordjevic, S.; Marinkovic, D.; Stajic, D. Sex-specific Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Sick Leave in Serbian Working Population: Findings from the National Health Survey. Preprints 2024, 2024090845. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.0845.v1 Knezevic, S.; Gajic, T.; Djonovic, N.; Knezevic, S.; Vukolic, D.; Marinkovic, T.; Janicijevic, N.; Vasiljevic, D.; Djordjevic, S.; Marinkovic, D.; Stajic, D. Sex-specific Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Sick Leave in Serbian Working Population: Findings from the National Health Survey. Preprints 2024, 2024090845. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.0845.v1

Abstract

Sick leave is influenced by various modifiable lifestyle factors and sex differences. This study examines the impact of body mass index, fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption on sick leave among Serbia's working population, focusing on sex differences. Data from the 2019 National Health Survey of Serbia were analyzed, focusing on a representative sample of 4,652 individuals aged 18-65. Chi-square tests and logistic regression models assessed the relationships between lifestyle factors and sick leave, adjusting for sociodemographic, work-related, and health-related variables. Among respondents, 15.8% reported sick leave in the past 12 months, with higher rates among women in both, short-term (13.9% vs. 10.6%) and long-term sick leave (3.4% vs. 2.2%). For men, obesity (OR = 2.6), poor dietary habits (fruit OR = 2.1; vegetables OR = 2.8), smoking (OR = 1.9), and risky alcohol consumption (OR = 4.1) significantly increase the likelihood of sick leave. In women, smoking (OR = 1.8) and risky alcohol consumption (OR = 3.1) are major predictors, while BMI and physical activity show less impact. Fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity have inconsistent effects on sick leave, indicating the need for further research. This study identifies obesity, poor dietary habits, smoking, and alcohol consumption as key predictors of sick leave in men. In women, smoking and risky alcohol consumption are major predictors. Smoking is a risk factor for both sexes, while risky alcohol consumption emerges as a prominent predictor and is a significant predictor overall. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions to address these lifestyle factors and reduce sick leave rates. Further research is needed to clarify the roles of dietary habits and physical activity in influencing sick leave.

Keywords

sick leave; work; healthy lifestyle; lifestyle risk factors; Serbia

Subject

Public Health and Healthcare, Public, Environmental and Occupational Health

Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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