Screening questionnaire Balansmeter proved successful in predicting future long-term sickness absence in office workers

Abstract Objective To develop and validate a screening instrument to identify employees at high risk for future long-term sickness absence. Study Design and Setting The instrument was developed ( n = 5,601) and internally validated ( n = 3,383) through data analyses of the Maastricht Cohort Study, among a group of office workers not absent from work. External validation was performed in a cohort of 3,895 bank employees. Results The screening instrument, Balansmeter, captures 34 questions on demographics, work environment, private situation, (mental) health, and sickness absence history. The Balansmeter showed good predictive values for future sickness absence (>28 days) in men (internal validation relative risk [RR] 4.69 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.74, 8.02]; external validation RR 3.90 [95% CI: 2.35, 6.45]) and women (internal validation RR 4.16 [95% CI: 2.05, 8.43]; external validation RR 2.62 [95% CI: 1.44, 4.77]). Conclusion It is possible to predict future sickness absence. The Balansmeter can be considered a valuable screening instrument.