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Working after cancer: in-depth perspectives from a setting with limited employment protection policies

Kong YC, Rauf N, Subramaniam S, Bustamam RS, Wong LP, Ho GF, et al.

J Cancer Surviv, 2021 10;15(5):706-712.
PMID: 33094415 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-020-00962-z

PURPOSE: A considerable proportion of individuals who are diagnosed with cancer are at a working age. We aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges, and arising needs related to working after cancer in a setting with limited employment protection policies.
METHODS: Focus group discussions were conducted with cancer patients who were diagnosed at least 1 year prior to recruitment, and either had paid work, were self-employed, currently unemployed, or currently retired (N = 66).
RESULTS: Three main themes were identified: (1) loss of income: While some participants were entitled for a 1-year cancer-specific sick leave, many other participants recounted having insufficient paid sick leave, forcing them to take prolonged unpaid leave to complete treatment; (2) dealing with side effects of cancer and its treatment: The need for workplace accommodations was highlighted including flexible working hours, lighter workloads, and dedicated rest areas to enable patients to cope better; (3) Discrimination and stigma at workplace: Some participants mentioned being passed over on a promotion, getting demoted, or being forced to resign once their cancer diagnosis was disclosed, highlighting an urgent need to destigmatize cancer in the workplace.
CONCLUSION: In settings with limited employment protection policies, a cancer diagnosis severely impacts the working experiences of patients, leading to financial loss. Urgent interventions and legislative reforms are needed in these settings to address the unmet employment needs of cancer survivors.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: This study may facilitate planning of local solutions to fulfill the unmet employment needs following cancer, such as return-to-work navigation services.

Matched MeSH terms: Sick Leave
Fulltext Sickness Certification Behavior amongst Primary Care Physicians: A Descriptive Analysis of Indirect Measures Using the Theory of Planned Behavior

Nantha YS, Hs AS

Korean J Fam Med, 2020 Jul;41(4):267-270.
PMID: 31992021 DOI: 10.4082/kjfm.18.0056

BACKGROUND: The provision of sick leave to patients in general practice often entails a complex decision-making process. Commonly, general practitioners believe that the act of providing sick leave can become confrontational. We assessed the intention, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control of general practitioners in relation to sick leave provision at public health clinics in Malaysia.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was implemented using data from 86 primary health care clinics in two states in Malaysia from February 2014 to March 2015. A questionnaire that comprised indirect measures were developed on the basis of the Theory of Planned Behavior. The questionnaire assessed several dimensions related to sickness certification provision viz., intention, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control.
RESULTS: The mean scores in this study revealed that physicians acknowledged that patient factors such as clinical symptoms (6.59±0.04), debilitating signs and symptoms of diseases (6.45±0.06), importance of illness recovery (6.07±0.07), and approval of employers (5.35±0.09) played an important role in their decision to provide sick leave.
CONCLUSION: The act of providing sickness certification to patients is a complex decision-making process. The findings of this study can be used to devise a targeted intervention to reduce the conflict that physicians face in issuing sick leaves.

Matched MeSH terms: Sick Leave
Fulltext Determinants of sick leave duration among employees with the first episode of acute coronary syndrome

Sahrol Nizam Abu Bakar, Bachok Norsa’adah, Zurkurnai Yusof, Mansor Yahya, Mohd Nazri Shafei

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(1):32-36.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Information on sick leave duration among employees with the first episode of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) throughout the world was limited. The aims of the study were to determine the sick leave duration and its predictive factors among employees diagnosed with the first episode of ACS. Methods: A cohort study was conduct- ed among employees who were admitted to the cardiology centre in the public hospitals in northeastern Malaysia. Data was collected using a designed proforma. The respondents were interviewed, and their medical records were reviewed on the second day of hospital admission. Information on sick leave duration was obtained from sick leave book in the wards. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to determine the predictive factors for sick leave duration. Results: A total of 78 respondents participated in this study. The mean (SD) age of the respondents was
47.5 (7.31) year old. The majority were male (92.3%), married (94.9%) and had a low level of education (62.8%). The sick leave duration ranged from 4 to 180 days with the median (IqR) of 35.5 (32) days. The predictive factors for sick leave duration were smoking (Adjusted b=20.1, 95% CI: 7.4, 32.8), not attending cardiac rehabilitation after discharge (Adjusted b=19.9, 95% CI: 6.7, 33.6) and presence of complication during admission (Adjusted b=28.6, 95% CI: 15.1, 42.0). Conclusion: The sick leave duration was relatively low and being a smoker, having a complica- tion during admission and not attending cardiac rehabilitation after discharged predicts a longer sick leave duration.

Matched MeSH terms: Sick Leave
Cognitive dysfunction in Malaysian patients with major depressive disorder: A subgroup analysis of a multicountry, cross-sectional study

Zainal NZ, Kalita P, Herr KJ

Asia Pac Psychiatry, 2019 Mar;11(1):e12346.
PMID: 30511420 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12346

INTRODUCTION: Cognitive dysfunction has been significantly associated with functional impairment in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

METHODS: This is a subgroup analysis of 211 Malaysian patients recruited from the multicountry, multicenter, cross-sectional Cognitive Dysfunction in Asian patients with Depression (CogDAD) study. Depression severity, cognitive dysfunction, and functional disability were assessed and compared with the overall CogDAD study population. Factors associated with functional disability were also evaluated in this Malaysian patient population.

RESULTS: Approximately half of the Malaysian patients were in their first depressive episode, with the majority being treated for mild-to-moderate depression. Furthermore, Malaysian patients experienced cognitive dysfunction, with self-reported Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ-D) scores falling within the third quartile of PDQ-D severity. Malaysian patients also reported functional disability evidenced by a mean total Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) score of 11.47 ± 6.68, with the highest SDS score reported in the "Social Life/Leisure Activities" domain. Compared with the overall CogDAD study population, the Malaysian patient population had comparable patient demographics in terms of marital and working status; outcome scores for PHQ-9 (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire for self-reported depression severity), PDQ-D and SDS; and worst perceived cognitive dysfunction reported in the "Attention/Concentration" domain. Factors found to be significantly associated with functional disability were PDQ-D score, sick leave taken, and antidepressant treatment (P

Matched MeSH terms: Sick Leave
Fulltext Assessing predictors of intention to prescribe sick leave among primary care physicians using the theory of planned behaviour

Swarna Nantha Y, Wee LH, Chan CM

BMC Fam Pract, 2018 01 16;19(1):18.
PMID: 29338699 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-017-0690-5

BACKGROUND: Providing sickness certification is a decision that primary care physicians make on a daily basis. The majority of sickness certification studies in the literature involve a general assessment of physician or patient behaviour without the use of a robust psychological framework to guide research accuracy. To address this deficiency, this study utilized the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to specifically gauge the intention and other salient predictors related to sickness certification prescribing behaviour amongst primary care physicians.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among N = 271 primary care physicians from 86 primary care practices throughout two states in Malaysia. Questionnaires used were specifically developed based on the TPB, consisting of both direct and indirect measures related to the provision of sickness leave. Questionnaire validity was established through factor analysis and the determination of internal consistency between theoretically related constructs. The temporal stability of the indirect measures was determined via the test-retest correlation analysis. Structural equation modelling was conducted to determine the strength of predictors related to intentions.
RESULTS: The mean scores for intention to provide patients with sickness was low. The Cronbach α value for the direct measures was good: overall physician intent to provide sick leave (0.77), physician attitude towards prescribing sick leave for patients (0.77) and physician attitude in trusting the intention of patients seeking sick leave (0.83). The temporal stability of the indirect measures of the questionnaire was satisfactory with significant correlation between constructs separated by an interval of two weeks (p sick leave to patients.
CONCLUSION: An integrated behavioural model utilizing the TPB could help fully explain the complex act of providing sickness leave to patients. Findings from this study could assist relevant agencies to facilitate the creation of policies that may help regulate the provision of sickness leave and alleviate the work burden of sickness leave tasks faced by physicians in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Sick Leave*
Fulltext Assessing the cost burden of dengue infection to households in Seremban, Malaysia

Mia MS, Begum RA, Er AC, Pereira JJ

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2016 Nov;47(6):1167-76.
PMID: 29634177

Dengue is endemic in all parts of Malaysia. However, there is limited data regarding the cost burden of this disease at household level. We aimed to
examine the cost of dengue infection at the household level in Seremban District,
Malaysia. This cost assessment can provide an insight to policy-makers about
economic impact of dengue infection in order to guide and prioritize control strategies.
The data were collected via interview. We evaluated120 previous dengue
infection patients registered at the Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital, Seremban District,
Malaysia. The average duration of dengue illness was 9.69 days. The average
household days lost was 18.7; students lost an average of 6.3 days of school and
patients and caregivers lost an average of 12.5 days of work. The mean total cost
per case of dengue infection was estimated to be USD365.16 with the indirect
cost being USD327.90 (89.8% of the total cost) and the direct cost being USD37.26
(10.2% of the total cost). Our findings suggest each episode of dengue infection
imposes a significant financial burden at the household level in Seremban District,
Malaysia; most of the burden being indirect cost. This cost needs to be factored
into the overall cost to society of dengue infection. This data can inform policy
makers when allocating resources to manage public health problems in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Sick Leave/economics; Sick Leave/statistics & numerical data
Fulltext Obesity is associated with more sick leave and lower quality of life among Malay male security officers

Tan, Se Xian, Norhayati Ibrahim, Nuruljannah Johari, Nuruljannah Johari, Roszanadia Rusli, Zahara Abdul Manaf

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2016;14(2):31-37.
MyJurnal

Obesity is a risk factor for chronic diseases which can affect work productivity and physical function of employees
particularly among those in security sector. The study aimed to determine the association between obesity with total
days of sick leave and health related quality of life (HRQoL) among Malay male security officers. A cross-sectional
study was conducted among Malay male security officers working in a Malaysian higher learning institution. Subjects
were evaluated using anthropometric measurements, quality of life and number of sick leave taken within two months
prior to the study. A total of 194 subjects (mean age 40.12 ± 11.41 years) were recruited. A total of 30.4% were obese,
39.7% were pre-obese and only 29.9% had normal body weight or underweight. Central obesity was observed in 57.7%
of them and 87.1% shown excessive body fat percentage. Number of sick leave days was positively correlated with Body
Mass Index (BMI) (r = 0.162, p = 0.024) and waist circumference (r = 0.181, p = 0.012). Score of the general health
component was negatively correlated with BMI (r = -0.161, p = 0.025), waist circumference (r = -0.194, p = 0.007) and
body fat percentage (r = -0.191, p = 0.008). Physical functioning score was lowest in obese subjects than normal and
pre-obese subjects (p = 0.046). Score of the bodily pain component was positively correlated with waist circumference (r
= 0.156, p = 0.030). Obesity is associated with number of sick leave days and quality of life in the studied group. Hence,
body weight of the security staff should be monitored and appropriate intervention should be conducted to improve their
work attendance and quality of life.

Matched MeSH terms: Sick Leave
Fulltext Perceived Barriers and Facilitators for Return to Work Among Colorectal Cancer Survivors: Malaysian Healthcare Professionals Experience-　A Qualitative Inquiry

Chow SL, Loh SY, Su TT

J. UOEH, 2015 Jun 1;37(2):127-38.
PMID: 26073502 DOI: 10.7888/juoeh.37.127

Return to work (RTW) can be a challenging occupational health (OH) issue among previously-employed colorectal cancer survivors. This study aimed to explore the various perceived barriers and facilitators encountered during the RTW process in cancer survivorship, from the perception of healthcare professionals (HCP). Face to face, semistructured interviews were carried out on twelve HCP (government and private sectors) from various disciplines. Data collected were transcribed verbatim and data management was aided by NVivo software 8.0. A new theory from contextual data was generated using open coding, axial coding and selective coding. The HCP shared numerous barriers and facilitators associated with RTW, under four categories. The key barriers were disturbing side effects, psychological barriers (personal factor), compensation (financial factor), poor ability to multitask (work-related factor), long paid medical leaves policy, employer's lackadaisical attitude, lack of knowledge and awareness of RTW (environmental factor). Key facilitators identified were desire to resume working life and to contribute to society (personal factor), financial pressure, maintain organizational health insurance (financial factor), less physically demanding job (work-related factor), supportive workplace and strict organizational policy on medical leaves (environmental factor). While not all HCP were trained in RTW, they all agreed that RTW is important for survivors and workplace. Occupational health doctors have a direct role in helping survivors RTW. Early Intervention on RTW during survivorship should involve occupational health doctors and employers, targeting the modifiable factors (environmental and work-related) to improve RTW after cancer.

Matched MeSH terms: Sick Leave
The effects of office ergonomic training on musculoskeletal complaints, sickness absence, and psychological well-being: a cluster randomized control trial

Mahmud N, Kenny DT, Md Zein R, Hassan SN

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2015 Mar;27(2):NP1652-68.
PMID: 21878465 DOI: 10.1177/1010539511419199

This study explored whether musculoskeletal complaints can be reduced by the provision of ergonomics education. A cluster randomized controlled trial study was conducted in which 3 units were randomized to intervention and received training and 3 units were given a leaflet. The effect of intervention on knowledge, workstation practices, musculoskeletal complaints, sickness absence, and psychological well-being were assessed at 6 and 12 months. Although there was no increment of knowledge among workers, significant improvements in workstation practices in the use of monitor, keyboard, and chair were observed. There were significant reductions in neck and upper and lower back complaints among workers but these did not translate into fewer days lost from work. Workers' stress was found to be significantly reduced across the studies. In conclusion, office ergonomics training can be beneficial in reducing musculoskeletal risks and stress among workers.

Matched MeSH terms: Sick Leave*
Fulltext Low back pain problem amongst port crane operator

Kadir, Z. A., Mohammad, R., Othman, N.

Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 2015;1(1):13-26.
MyJurnal

Purpose of this study to be conducted is to identify the risk factor of low back pain amongst port crane operator and to improve the health management program in the company. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the major group of port crane operator that having low back pain problem, to analyse the risk factors that associated to low back pain problem (WBV, Awkward prolonged sitting and shift work-psychological) , individual characteristics (sport activity or hobby), to analyse the associated rate operator’s absence from work (medical leave) and low back pain problem and to propose the basic ergonomic assessment checklist for management to investigate health incident cases and fit-to-work (ergonomics) screening checklist for new recruitment. A survey research design through the distribution of the questionnaire and interview & field observation will
be used for research methodology. The population of this study consists of port crane operatorsRubber Tyred Gantry Operator (RTG). Questionnaire method used to collect all relevant information from correspondence. Interview also will be conducted to gain further details information. Data were analyzed with the usage of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to make the process of analysis easier. As result, firstly, the study shown that there are association of risk factor for working posture and years of exposure with Low back Pain. The null hypothesis was rejected and there is probability that these risk factors have influence the low back pain. It was also concluded that the null hypothesis was accepted which means there are no correlation of risk factors for heavy physical works, previous job experience, previous accident with low back pain problem. Thirdly, the study
shown there are no correlation of rate operator’s absence from work (medical leave) with low back pain problem as the null hypothesis was accepted with p value <0.05
Keywords: Port, Low Back Pain, Ergonomics, Occupational Safety & Health, Rubber tyre gantry, Back Pain

Matched MeSH terms: Sick Leave
Fulltext SMEs’ knowledge of legislated employment rights: Malaysian perspective

Ashari H, Soehod K

Journal of Advanced Research Design, 2015;11(1):1-10.
MyJurnal

This study seeks to investigate small and medium-sized enterprise Human Resource (HR) practitioners’ knowledge pertaining to legislated employment rights at the workplace as laid down by the Employment Act (EA) 1955. The EA provides a variety of individual employment rights covering protections of wages, statutory right to the general standard of working time, statutory right to rest day, public holidays, annual leave and sick leave, statutory right to employment security as well as female employee’s statutory right to paid maternity leave. The study also aims to determine whether HR practitioners’ level of knowledge concerning legislated employment rights differed significantly between age groups, years of experience, level of education and size of company. It also examined the nature of the relationship between the HR practitioners’ level of basic knowledge concerning legislated employment rights and their level of concern in making legally sound decisions in their administrative practice. In addition, it identified whether the HR practitioners’ level of basic knowledge pertaining to legislated employment rights correlate significantly with the size of the company where they are employed.

Matched MeSH terms: Sick Leave
Fulltext The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder and association with productivity loss: a preliminary study among labour intensive manual harvesting activities in oil palm plantation

Ng YG, Tamrin SB, Yik WM, Yusoff IS, Mori I

Ind Health, 2014;52(1):78-85.
PMID: 24292878

Production agriculture such as harvesting in oil palm plantation has been frequently associated with MSD and significant loss of productivities. This study tends to evaluate from the viewpoint of health, the association between self-reported prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and productivities; the impact of musculoskeletal disorders on productivity. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 143 harvesters in oil palm plantation. A general questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic background data while Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of MSD. Expressed in 4 different indicators; daily harvesting quantity, efficiency score, sick leave and presenteeism, the productivity data were analysed for association. There is significant association between reported acute prevalence of MSD (within 7 d) and productivity loss in terms of presenteeism (χ(2)=5.088; p<0.05) as well as quantity of daily harvest (χ(2)=7.406; p<0.01). Logistic regression adjusted for age, BMI and smoking indicate that harvesters with MSD (past seven days) were more likely to be engaged in presenteeism (OR=2.87 95% CI=1.34, 6.14) and had lower daily productivity (OR=2.09 95% CI=1.02, 4.29) compared to harvesters without MSD (past 7 d). This study reveals that oil palm harvesters suffering acute MSD (for the past week) were likely to be still present to work and produce half lesser than their healthy counterparts. Thus, further study with comprehensive surveillance strategy is essential in order to determine the urgency or need of appropriate intervention.

Matched MeSH terms: Sick Leave
Are psychosocial factors associated with low back pain and work absence for low back pain in an occupational cohort?

Urquhart DM, Kelsall HL, Hoe VC, Cicuttini FM, Forbes AB, Sim MR

Clin J Pain, 2013 Dec;29(12):1015-20.
PMID: 23370089 DOI: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e31827ff0c0

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between individual and work-related psychosocial factors and low back pain (LBP) and associated time off work in an occupational cohort.
METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was completed by nurses working across 3 major public hospitals. Participants provided sociodemographic data and information on the occurrence of LBP, time off work, and psychosocial factors.
RESULTS: One thousand one hundred eleven participants (response rate 38.6%) were included in the study. Fifty-six percent of participants reported LBP in the previous year. When individual psychosocial factors were examined in the same model, the relationship between somatization and LBP persisted (OR 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35, 2.01). Low job security was also significantly associated with LBP independent of the other work-related factors (OR 0.82; 95% CI, 0.69, 0.98). Of those participants with LBP, 30% reported absence from work due to LBP. When absence from work was examined, negative beliefs (OR 0.97; 95% CI, 0.94, 1.00) and pain catastrophizing (OR 1.33; 95% CI, 1.04, 1.71) were independently associated with time off work, along with low job satisfaction (OR 0.71; 95% CI, 0.51, 0.97) and high job support (OR 1.35; 95% CI, 1.04, 1.75).
CONCLUSIONS: Somatization and low job security were found to be independently associated with occupational LBP, whereas negative beliefs, pain catastrophizing, reduced job satisfaction, and high job support were independently related to time off work. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether these individual and work-related psychosocial factors predict, or alternatively, are outcomes of pain and time off work associated with LBP.

Matched MeSH terms: Sick Leave*
Health status of people with work-related musculoskeletal disorders in return to work programs: a Malaysian study

Murad MS, O'Brien L, Farnworth L, Chien CW

Occup Ther Health Care, 2013 Jul;27(3):238-55.
PMID: 23855610 DOI: 10.3109/07380577.2013.808782

This study examined the health status of injured workers with musculoskeletal disorders enrolled in the Malaysian Return to Work (RTW) program. The 102 participants were categorized into three RTW groups: Off-work (n = 30, 29.4%), Re-entry (n = 44, 43.1%), and Maintenance (n = 28, 27.5%). Overall health status, as measured by the SF-36 version 2, of the workers exhibited below average compared to the internationally established normative population, with their physical health component summary rated lower than mental health. Across the different groups, significant differences were found in role-physical, vitality, bodily pain, general health, and mental health. However, the mean values of these variables were higher in the Maintenance group and were found significant. The current health status of injured workers at Off-work and Re-entry phases was significantly low and warranted to be improved by involving other health professionals such as occupational therapists, ergonomists, and psychologists.

Matched MeSH terms: Sick Leave*
Fulltext Somatisation disorder and its associated factors in multiethnic primary care clinic attenders

Khoo EM, Mathers NJ, McCarthy SA, Low WY

Int J Behav Med, 2012 Jun;19(2):165-73.
PMID: 21562781 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-011-9164-7

Background Somatisation disorder (SD) has been reported as common in all ethnic groups, but the estimates of its prevalence have varied and the evidence for its associated factors has been inconsistent.
Purpose This study seeks to determine the prevalence of SD and its associated factors in multiethnic primary care clinic attenders.
Methods This cross-sectional study was on clinic attenders aged 18 years and above at three urban primary care clinics in Malaysia. The operational definition of SD was based on ICD-10 criteria for SD for research, frequent attendance, and excluded moderate to severe anxiety and depression. The instruments used were the ICD-10 symptom list, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, a semi-structured questionnaire, and SF-36.
Results We recruited 1,763 patients (response rate 63.8%). The mean age of respondents was 44.7±15.8 years, 807 (45.8%) were male; there were 35.3% Malay, 30.1% Chinese and 34.6% Indian. SD prevalence was 3.7%; the prevalence in Malay was 5.8%, Indian 3.0% and Chinese 2.1%. Significant associations were found between SD prevalence and ethnicity, family history of alcoholism, blue-collar workers and the physical component summary (PCS) score of SF-36. Multivariate analysis showed that SD predictors were Malay ethnicity (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.6, 4.6), blue-collar worker (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2, 3.5) and impaired PCS score of SF-36 (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.90, 0.95).
Conclusion The prevalence of SD was relatively uncommon with the stringent operational criteria used. SD preponderance in blue-collar workers may be attributable to secondary gain from getting sickness certificates and being paid for time off work.
Keywords Somatisation disorder . Associated factors . Primary care . Ethnic groups . Prevalence Questionnaire: ICD-10 symptom list; Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale; HADS; SF-36

Matched MeSH terms: Sick Leave
Fulltext Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Low Back Among Health Care Providers in a District Hospital

Wong, T.S., Teo, N., Kyaw, M.).

Malays Orthop J, 2010;4(2):23-28.
MyJurnal

Study design: A cross-sectional study among health care providers working at one hospital. Objective: To investigate the prevalence, the consequences and the risk factors associated with low back pain (LBP) among hospital staff. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 931 health care providers who answered a pre-established questionnaire including 30 items in two languages. Results: The cumulative life-prevalence of LBP was 72.5% and the yearly prevalence was 56.9%. Chronic LBP prevalence was noted 5.1% of the cases. Treatment was sought in 34.1% of LBP sufferers and 7.3% required sick leave or absence from work due to LBP. Risk factors associated with LBP were professional categories, bad body posture, lifting objects or patients and the increased levels of lifting, levels of job satisfaction and stressful job demands. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of LBP among hospital staff, resulting in significant medical and socio-professional consequences. Many risk factors were identified that would necessitate multidisciplinary involvement to reduce the LBP incidence and related costs.

Matched MeSH terms: Sick Leave
Fulltext Effects of night shift work towards health and safety of production workers. [Kesan bekerja shif malam terhadap kesihatan dan keselamatan di kalangan pekerja pengeluaran]

Deros, B.M., Khamis, N.K., Ismail, A.R., Ludin, A.

Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2009;15(1):64-75.
MyJurnal

Introduction : Shift work is practised in manufacturing industry to increase production capacity up to three times compared to the normal daily eight hours working system and able to optimize the utilization of machine and equipment. However, shift work has negatif effects on human social interaction, health and safety.
Methodology : The study was conducted to evaluate production workers’ perception on the effects of working at night shift. The respondents of the study were production workers in Company X in Kuala Lumpur. The Data was collected using self administered questionnaires. The study objectives was to study the work schedule design, to find out their perceptions on the effects of night shift and to study on personal factors, employees’ level of acceptance on the work schedule design and personal factors that cause safety and health disruption.
Result : A total of 200 production workers participated in the study. The result of the study shows 61% of production workers took sick leave and 43.5% were absent between 1 and 2 times a month. In terms of health and safety disruption, 77% of respondents agreed that they faced lack of focus with family and friends, 75.5% of them did not have enough sleep and 76.5% felt sleepy during working time. Regarding the work schedule and workstation design, 81.5% said they felt uncomfortable because they were required to stand during working and 77% felt that the resting period provided by the factory was too short and inadequate. More than 70% of the respondents proposed the rest period should be extended from the current 40 minutes to one hour. More than 80% of respondents agreed they would feel comfortable if standing at work is changed to sitting work system.
Conclusion : To minimize the unwanted effect of night shift among the production.

Matched MeSH terms: Sick Leave
Fulltext Workplace vaccination against influenza in Malaysia: does the employer benefit?

Samad AH, Usul MH, Zakaria D, Ismail R, Tasset-Tisseau A, Baron-Papillon F, et al.

J Occup Health, 2006 Jan;48(1):1-10.
PMID: 16484757

This study was designed to evaluate the health and economic benefits of a workplace vaccination programme against influenza funded by the employer. Employees of a Malaysian petrochemical plant volunteered to take part in this prospective, non-randomised, non-placebo-controlled study. Demographic and health information, including influenza-like symptoms, sick leave and post-vaccination adverse events were collected via questionnaires. Cost-benefit analyses were performed from the employer's perspective.

RESULTS: A total of 1,022 employees took part in the study, with 504 choosing to be vaccinated against influenza, and 518 remaining unvaccinated. The rate of influenza-like illness (ILI) was lower among vaccinated (8.13%) than non-vaccinated subjects (30.31%). Fever and respiratory symptoms were associated with all ILI cases. ILI-related sick leave was taken by 58.54% of vaccinated employees with ILI and 71.34% of non-vaccinated employees with ILI. Vaccination was financially beneficial, with the employer saving up to US dollar 53.00 per vaccinated employee when labour costs only were considered. Savings rose to up to US dollar 899.70 when the operating income of each employee was also considered. Workplace vaccination of healthy adults against influenza had a clear impact on ILI rates, absenteeism and reduced productivity in this Malaysian company. The health benefits translated into financial benefits for the employer, with cost savings significantly outweighting the costs of the vaccination programme.

Matched MeSH terms: Sick Leave
Fulltext Morbidity and process of care in urban Malaysian general practice: the impact of payment system

Teng CL, Syed Aljunid SM, Cheah M, Leong KC, Kwa SK

Med J Malaysia, 2003 Aug;58(3):365-74.
PMID: 14750376

BACKGROUND: The majority of primary care consultations in Malaysia occur in the general practice clinics. To date, there is no comprehensive documentation of the morbidity and practice activities in this setting.
OBJECTIVES: We reported the reasons for encounter, diagnoses and process of care in urban general practice and the influence of payment system on the morbidity and practice activities.
METHODS: 115 clinics in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang participated in this study. General practitioners in these clinics completed a 2-page questionnaire for each of the 30 consecutive patients. The questionnaire requested for the following information: demographic data, reasons for encounter, important physical findings, diagnoses, investigations ordered, outpatient procedures performed, medical certificate given, medication prescribed and referral made. The morbidity (reasons for encounter and diagnoses) was coded using ICPC-2 and the medication data was coded using MIMS Classification Index.
RESULTS: During 3481 encounters, 5300 RFEs (152 RFEs per 100 encounters) and 3342 diagnoses (96 diagnoses per 100 encounters) were recorded. The majority of the RFEs and diagnoses are in the following ICPC Chapters: Respiratory, General and unspecified, Digestive, Neurological, Musculoskeletal and Skin. The frequencies of selected aspects of the process of care (rate per 100 encounters) were: laboratory investigations 14.7, outpatient procedures 2.4, sick certification 26.9, referral 2.4, and medication prescription 244. Consultation for chronic diseases and acute infections were influenced more by demographic variables (age, employment) rather than payment system. Cash-paying patients were more likely to receive laboratory investigations and injections.
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the breadth of clinical care in the general practice. Relatively fewer patients consulted specifically for preventive care and treatment of chronic diseases. The frequencies of outpatient procedures and referrals appeared to be low. Payment system results in important differences in patient mix and influences some types of practice activities.

Matched MeSH terms: Sick Leave
Relation between sick leave and selected exposure variables among women semiconductor workers in Malaysia

Chee HL, Rampal KG

Occup Environ Med, 2003 Apr;60(4):262-70.
PMID: 12660374

To determine the relation between sick leave and selected exposure variables among women semiconductor workers.

Matched MeSH terms: Sick Leave/statistics & numerical data*

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