Affiliations: Department of Social Medicine, University of
Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden | Department of Political Science, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
Note: [] Corresponding author: Gunnel Hensing, Department of Social
Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, PO Box 453,
SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden. Tel.: +46 (0)31 786 68 62; Fax: +46 (0)31 16
28 47; E-mail: gunnel.hensing@gu.se
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Profound changes are taking place in the Swedish welfare
state. The general population's attitudes are important insofar changes will be
perceived as fair and effective to become implemented. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to study attitudes to the strictness of the
sick-leave rules, relocation to other work tasks after 3 months of sick leave
and applications for new jobs after 6 months of sick leave. METHODS: Eligible for this questionnaire study were 1,140
individuals aged 19 to 64 years. Their attitudes were analyzed in relation to
age, gender, political ideology and health status. Health status was measured
as sick-leave experiences, self-reported health and level of symptoms. RESULTS: Showed that 42% considered the sick-leave rules to be too
strict, 60% found relocation to other work tasks to be good while 35% found
that applications for new work were good. In logistic regression analyses, high
sick-leave experience was associated with increased odds of finding the
sick-leave rules too strict and disagreement with relocation to other work
tasks or application for new jobs. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, strong support was found for relocation
to other work tasks with the present employer. Earlier research on returning to
work has found workplace interventions to be efficient. From a policy
perspective it seems relevant to promote such interventions given the strong
public opinion in their favor.
