Burnout Levels and Self-Rated Health Prospectively Predict Future Long-Term Sickness Absence: A Study Among Female Health Professionals

Objective: This study investigates the predictive validity of the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), and of three health indicators (depression, anxiety, and self-rated health), for long-term sickness absence (LTSA). Methods: Questionnaires were sent to all employees in a Swedish County Council (N = 6118), and the overall response rate was 65% (N = 3976). As 82% were women, only women were included in the study. Certified LTSA data were collected. Results: Logistic regression analyses showed that high scores on exhaustion, depression, and poor self-rated health increased the risk of future LTSA (≥90 days). Support for the proposed two-factorial structure of the OLBI was found, including the dimensions of exhaustion and disengagement from work. Conclusion: Using burnout measures might be useful to identify those at risk for LTSA, and to enable preventive solutions in organizations.