Total work and leisure-time load in relation to sickness absences in the food industry

Generally women have more sickness absences than men. The aim of this study was to consider if there were any differences between genders in sickness absences due to total work and leisure-time load among workers in food industry. The study group consisted of 820 food workers (women n=567, men n=253). The mean age of the workers was 40.5 years. Total work and leisure-time load was assessed by questionnaire and sickness absences were analyzed from the companies' registers. Women in the food industry had more sickness absences and higher total work and leisure-time load than men. However, it can be preliminarily concluded that for more specific analysis it is not enough just to measure the time workers spend for different duties but in addition you have to take into consideration the real sense and meaning of these factors.