Research Article
The Characteristics of Sick Leave Holders at the Primary Healthcare Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study
Salma Rashid Al-Kalbani*
,
Anwaar Al-Lawati
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
29-38
Received:
29 March 2025
Accepted:
7 April 2025
Published:
19 May 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.jfmhc.20251102.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Introduction: Sick leave certification is an ongoing challenge at primary healthcare settings, influenced by various factors: patient, physician, and healthcare system. This study examined the determinants of sick leave certification at North Al-Khuwair Health Centre (NKHC), and the association between physicians' level of training and the justification of sick leave. Methods: An analytical, observational cross-sectional study was conducted among all patients issued sick leave certificates at NKHC between December 1 and 31, 2023. Univariate analysis was conducted to investigate the association between patient, doctor, healthcare setting factors, and sick leave justification. A multivariate, binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the association between levels of training (the exposure variable) and justification of sick leaves (the outcome of interest) after adjustment for possible confounders. Results: A total 683 sick leaves were issued during the study period. Most sick leaves were issued to young patients (n = 587, 85.9%), female patients (n = 392, 57.4%), and those attending general practitioner clinics (n = 660, 96.6%). Over half of sick leaves were issued to patients with acute upper respiratory tract illnesses (n = 348, 51.0%). Univariate analysis showed significant association between age, sex, type of clinic attended, and sick leave justification. Family physicians (FMs) (n = 1, 4.3%, p < 0.001) issued fewer unjustified sick leaves than general practitioners (GPs) (n = 48, 7.3%, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis, and after controlling for possible confounders, showed no significant association between doctor training level and sick leave justification. Conclusions: The study found that young, female patients are more likely to receive sick leaves. FMs were less likely to issue sick leave than GPs. No significant association between justification of sick leave and amount of training in this population. More research is required to better understand the possible factors that contribute to issuing sick leaves in primary care settings.
Abstract: Introduction: Sick leave certification is an ongoing challenge at primary healthcare settings, influenced by various factors: patient, physician, and healthcare system. This study examined the determinants of sick leave certification at North Al-Khuwair Health Centre (NKHC), and the association between physicians' level of training and the justific...
Show More
