Factors associated with absenteeism of nursing professionals in university outpatient clinics in Brazil

Objective To analyse the sociodemographic, occupational and health profile of nursing professionals working in university outpatient services and their relationship with absenteeism. Background The organisation and working conditions in outpatient services may be directly related to the illness and absenteeism in the nursing profession. Method Analytical cross‐sectional study was conducted in 11 outpatient clinics in the city of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil with nursing professionals. A self‐applicable data collection tool was used for sociodemographic, occupational and health characterization. The analyses were performed using chi‐square tests, odds ratio calculation and a 95% confidence interval. Results Absenteeism due to illness in the previous 12 months was reported by 35.9% of workers. Sociodemographic and occupational characteristics were not significantly associated with absenteeism, having a positive association only among workers who had two or more jobs. In health‐related variables, self‐rated health was significantly associated with long absenteeism. Individuals with four or more chronic diseases had a 187% higher chance of being absent for more days. Conclusion The analysis of factors associated with absenteeism must take into account the context of outpatient nursing work and its consequences for the health‐disease process. Implications for nursing management This allows for rethinking proposals for interventions based on the reality of workers’ health.